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Melanie_Alnwick's Blog

by Melanie_Alnwick from Washington DC

Last Post 177 days Ago


Poison Wood
Nov 14, 2007 | 11:42 AM
Category: News
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My investigation on pressure-treated lumber aired last night... and the good news is I've already heard from DC Parks and Recreation, and the YMCA of Greater Washington.  Neither organization was featured in my story, but both called to find out how they could get information on mitigating the risks to children.   You see, this wood is EVERYWHERE.   Just before CCA (chromium, copper, arsenic) treatment for wood was banned by the EPA in December of 2003 -- six and a half BILLION board feet of the stuff was making its way into our yards, our parks, our playgrounds and schools every year.

There's no longer a question about whether the arsenic leaches out of the wood.  It does.  You can watch our story on this website to see the results of our surface arsenic testing, and read the test results & explanations of the risk factors.  

The problem is, that the while every environmental group, several countries, states, and the CPSC have recognized the dangers and put policies and recommendations in place  -- the EPA hasn't changed it's official stance.  And it's EPA guidance that our local officials turn to.   So, while we wait years and years for a final negotiated ruling  --  a whole generation of children is being exposed during their most critical years.  I simply cannot understand how the EPA continues to say this wood does not pose an unacceptable risk to children on it's website... while internally, EPA & CPSC have worked together on ways to mitigate the risks.

http://www.beyondpesticides.org/wood/index.htm<
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http://www.ewg.org/

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Member Comments Total Comments: 5
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HappyMDer
Nov 14, 2007 | 6:54 PM

I was shocked by this story. I know you will use your position at Fox News to inform the country that the Bush EPA is not working to protect our children. Wait, I do not remember one Bush EPA official interviewed for your story. Instead, you only ambushed local officials who are trying to balancing conflicting messages from the federal government. The story would be more credible if you spent time trying to explain why the EPA is not acting instead of attacking our local agencies.
Melanie_Alnwick read my blog
Nov 15, 2007 | 6:11 AM

You're assuming I didn't contact the EPA for comment? Now that would be irresponsible, wouldn't it? The EPA will not comment on camera about an ongoing investigation. I reported what their spokesperson told me. As far as "ambushing" local officials... each local authority was contacted and provided the test results, and we had many conversations over the phone.. before agreeing to go on camera. That's about as far from an ambush as you can get.
rebecca1280
Nov 15, 2007 | 8:47 PM

Hi, I have a question for you. There is a wooden park here in Prince Wiiliam County that my kids play at. Every year or so they shut it down for a day or two to put a sealant on the wood and it concerns me that there is arsenic on it. The park was built at least 10 years ago. How so you go about getting it tested? Any information would help! Thanks for writing this article, it really does make me think!
dadministrator read my blog view my photos
Nov 17, 2007 | 8:32 AM

Great article - thanks for raising the awareness on this important issue, especially for Parents.
Melanie_Alnwick read my blog
Nov 18, 2007 | 10:01 AM

Rebecca -- your playground is most likely made from CCA wood -- unless the County specifically purchased play equipment that was not made of pressure treated lumber. You can purchase the wood wipe test kits from the Environmental Quality Institute. They're $20 a piece and very easy to use. Let me know what you find out!
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Melanie_Alnwick

I'm Melanie Alnwick. I've been with Fox-5 since 1999, and I've worked just about every shift in the building! You may have seen me reporting for Fox-5 News at 10, filling in on the anchor desk morning, noon, night or weekends, and bringing you Investigative reports. Currently I anchor "Fox Morning News Sunday" and bring you our Money reports. I'm looking forward to sharing thoughts & ideas with you -- about our news, our newsroom... and our busy lives. See you on Sundays -- 8 to 9 am!

Member Since: 10/26/2006


 

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