Government Rejects Ban on Arsenic-Treated Playground Equipment

TBO ^ | 11/4/03 | Jonathan Salant

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators Tuesday denied a request to ban arsenic-treated lumber used in playground equipment, which environmentalists say poses a health hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously to adopt its staff's finding and recommendation that a ban was not needed because most manufacturers already have stopped using the treated wood and other makers soon will follow suit.

The lumber in question is treated with a pesticide, chromated copper arsenate, that protects it from decay and insect damage. Almost all wooden playground equipment has been treated with the pesticide. The concern is that children can get cancer-causing arsenic residue from the treated wood on their hands, then put their hands in their mouths.

Besides playgrounds, the treated wood has been used in picnic tables and decks.

Environmental organizations had asked the commission to ban the treated wood.

The lumber industry has maintained that the treated wood is safe and that children are exposed to more arsenic in food and water than on the playground. Still, following discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency, the industry agreed in February 2002 to phase out the treated wood by December 2003

The industry's agreement applies to new products. The commission and the EPA are studying ways to coat existing products made of treated wood with a sealant to prevent arsenic from seeping through.

[dead]

The concern is that children can get cancer-causing arsenic residue from the treated wood on their hands, then put their hands in their mouths.

Mmmmm… arsenic...

Please, the dirt is full of arsenic too. It’s natural.

Freaking boogie men behind every arsenic-laced tree for these envirotwits.

[Fierce Allegiance]

So they should outlaw just about every deck built on people's houses in the last 20 years. yeah right.

True, the cca is fairly nasti stuff, but you would have to chew down a 2x4 a day for a long time before it would hurt you. There are new alternatives, too.

Anyone with a well who live near an old cemetery probably gets more arsenic in thier water, as it was used as an enbalming fluid a long time ago.

[longtermmemmory]

If you consume about 20 pounds of almonds you will die of arsnic poisoning. (if you live that long after eating 20 pounds of anything)

[The Great RJ]

In many parts of the country they would get more arsenic by drinking the local water which picks it up from natural sources.

Besides everyone knows that those nasty Republicans are deliberating lacing our water with arsenic to support big business and forcing our children to drink it so they get cancer. Tom Daschle told me this was true. </sarcasm

[Oztrich Boy]

If you consume about 20 pounds of almonds you will die of arsnic poisoning

No. you won't

[Oztrich Boy]

It's cyanide poisoning you will die from

[Ribeye]

If you are looking for a great swingset for your kids look at the sets by "Cedar Works" in Maine. We're weren't too concerned about the arsenic issue. We were more concerned about splinters, maintenence and set longevity.
Cedsr Works use 100% untreated white cedar. The beams are all extra thick and the raw white cedar means no splinters EVER, and you NEVER have to treat it, sand it, etc. It's also super strong and they give you a 10 year gurantee on all wood in the set. If you have a bunch of kids, it's worth it.

[lepton]

If you consume about 20 pounds of almonds you will die of arsnic poisoning.

Almonds are high in cyanide, not Arsenic.

[lepton]

It's cyanide poisoning you will die from

Along with apple seeds adn peach-pits.

It was one of the suspected reasons why Leatrille seemed to work in Mexico and not in the U.S. - poorer production standards in early runs may have resulted in elevated Cyanide levels in Mexican Leatrille.

[aimhigh]

The headline should have read,
"Environmental organizations prefer playgrounds that can rot and collapse on kids".