Report warns of link between treated timber and cancer

Mar 15, 2005

A new report by University of Wollongong researchers calls for an immediate ban on all residential uses of Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) treated timber, its removal from all public parks, and its classification as a hazardous waste, because of its link to cancer as well as reproductive and neurological problems.

Detailed research by Professor Sharon Beder and her research assistant Nina Lansbury demonstrates that timber preserved with CCA is a 'ticking time bomb' that poses a danger to humans, animals and the environment.

Professor Beder's damning report is critical of a review of CCA-treated timber by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) that was released late this afternoon.

The APVMA, while recommending that CCA-treated timber should not be sold for use in residential and park structures, has turned a blind eye to the problem of existing picnic tables, home decking, handrails and children's play equipment that pose just as much danger, Professor Beder said.

Copper Chrome Arsenate is used for the control and prevention of damage to timber and timber structures by insects, wood rot, wood fungus and general timber decay. It is generally used on wood intended for outdoor uses, such as electricity poles, decking and fencing, landscaping and building structures. It is also commonly used in playgrounds, children's cubby houses, public picnic tables, garden edgings, handrails, and vineyard stakes.

Professor Beder said that the seepage of arsenic onto the surfaces of CCA-treated timber was a major problem because the arsenic can be dislodged onto hands and washed off into nearby soil or surrounding water.

“Children who play on CCA-treated structures are particularly vulnerable because of their hand-to-mouth behaviour,” she said.

“Several overseas studies have shown that they are exposed to arsenic and may increase their lifetime risk of getting cancer as a result.”

Professor Beder said that home handymen who work with CCA-treated timber are also at risk of being exposed to arsenic, as are people who treat the timber and work with it once it has been preserved.

“CCA-treated timber is ubiquitous in Australia and is sold in hardware stores and timber yards without any warning,” Professor Beder said. “And yet it is banned in many countries and classified as a hazardous waste in others.”

The report includes a survey of what consumers are told at outlets where the treated timber is sold.

“Perhaps of most concern is the fact that people sometimes burn it in their home combustion heaters, wood ovens and fireplaces without realising the dangers to which they are exposing their families and neighbours,” Professor Beder said.

“The eventual disposal of CCA-treated timber is also of great concern because of the large volume of anticipated waste and the lack of safe disposal options, given the toxicity of the timber.”

The University of Wollongong report outlines a set of policy recommendations to adequately and effectively deal with CCA, starting with the removal of existing CCA treated structures at homes and public parks. There are also recommendations on disposal, the need for increased community awareness and future research needs.

The full report or its executive summary can be viewed at: UOW Treated Timber Report

For more information contact: Professor Sharon Beder on (02) 4471 2849

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128