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Posted By Zoe Barnett
I've been sent some information on the possible health risks arising from the use of CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate), which is wood treatment commonly used in play equipment, picnic tables and so on. It's sometimes called tannilising but I'm not sure how to spell that!
Apparently there is a slight risk that arsenic can leach out of the wood and present a risk to children through hand/mouth contact. The main hazard doesn't seem to be arsenic poisoning, but instead there is a slightly increased risk of developing cancer later in life.
The main information I have is from the States, and apparently the HSE know nothing about it. The information I've been sent claims that CCA has been banned in some countries and is on its way out here. Regardless of how I word any warning letters there will be a panic in my schools and playgrounds, so I'd be very grateful if anyone could share any details relevant to the UK , or else tell me if you know it's our old friend the Urban Myth. (I hope it is!!) Alternatively, if it is going to be a problem I'd be happy to share the information I have. Many thanks.
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Posted By Peter J Harvey Zoe, There has been a draft directive before the EC Commission to discuss the restriction of use of CCA treated wood. It is likely that this will become legislation in 2004 and will set out permitted and non-permitted uses for wood after CCA treatment. One of the non-permitted uses in the draft is "in any application where there is a risk of repeated skin contact" playground equipment would therefore fall into this category, however I cannot think of any playground furniture that is CCA treated. Once such wood has been in the environment for any length of time is unlikely to be hazardous from normal contact. You might like to see the following web site www.archtp.co.uk.
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Zoe
I would be surprised if playground equipment from a reputable manufacturer would have CCA treatment. It is used predominantly for structural timbers in buildings where it is hidden in the fabric or roof void. If you are correct in your statement then you need to consider how quickly it can be phased out - splinters off such timbers have been known to cause some significant problems due to local infection and damage from the chemicals present. I encourage all workers handling it to wear gloves at all times.
Bob
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