Melanie_Alnwick's Blog

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/