| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Pointing to evidence that arsenic treated lumber is a health risk
to children, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today introduced
bipartisan legislation, H.R.
4707, to permanently ban the use of this product. Arsenic pressure
treated wood is found in virtually all residential structures, including
wood used in playgrounds, play-structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping
timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways/boardwalks. A 12-foot
section of pressure-treated lumber contains about an ounce of arsenic,
or enough to kill 250 people. Reports have found excessive arsenic levels
in the soil surrounding playgrounds with arsenic treated lumber.
“An
Environmental Working Group and Healthy Building Network study found
that an area of arsenic-treated wood the size of a four-year-old's hand
contains an average of 120 times the amount of arsenic allowed by the EPA
in a 6 ounce glass of water. According to the report, an estimated
one out of every 500 children who regularly play on playground equipment
or decks made from pressure-treated wood, can be expected to develop cancer
later in life as a result of the exposure,” Schakowsky said.
She
added, “Arsenic can kill, and it causes cancer and other life threatening
diseases. We can no longer ignore the dangers posed by exposing our
children to this poison. The Arsenic Treated Lumber Prohibition and Disposal
act will protect the environment and health of American Families.”
The
Arsenic Treated Lumber Prohibition and Disposal Act would phase-out the
use of arsenic treated lumber in residential settings; require the disposal
of arsenic-treated lumber in lined landfills to prevent contamination of
groundwater; require the EPA to conduct a risk assessment regarding arsenic;
and provide monetary assistance to schools and local communities.
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) had introduced a similar bill in the Senate.
In
the meantime, however, Schakowsky said that parents could take steps to
provide immediate protection for their families. Those steps include:
-
Washing
children's hands or use disinfectant after playing on arsenic-treated surfaces
or playgrounds, particularly before eating.
-
Sealing
arsenic-treated wood structures each year with polyurethane or other hard
lacquer.
-
Avoiding
arsenic-treated picnic tables, or at least covering the table with a coated
tablecloth.
The
Environmental Protection Agency announced that it reached an agreement
with the industry to voluntarily transition consumer use of treated lumber
products away from wood that contains arsenic in favor of new alternative
wood preservatives by December 31, 2003. Schakowsky’s said
that a voluntary agreement is not enough and that her legislation is needed
to ensure that the industry would be required by law to phase out
this dangerous product.
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