<
https://theconversation.com/despite-restrictions-elsewhere-nz-still-uses-a-wood-preservative-linked-to-arsenic-pollution-199865>
"Timber with a green-grey hue – treated with copper chromium arsenic (CCA) – is
a common sight in New Zealand. But how many people are aware that it pollutes
the environment, is associated with health risks and is a toxic waste
complicating the transition to a circular bioeconomy?
Other countries, including Australia, the US and the EU, have stopped or
restricted the use of CCA, moved to safer alternatives and established viable
end-of-life disposal options.
The ingredients of CCA are the heavy metals copper, chromium and arsenic. They
don’t decompose and can’t be destroyed like organic compounds by incineration.
The heavy metals leach from the timber, polluting soil and water. When
CCA-treated timber is burned, most arsenic becomes volatile and pollutes the
air, while chromium and copper contaminate the ash.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists arsenic among the top ten chemicals
of major public health concern. It is a confirmed carcinogen. Chromium and
copper are not without health risks either."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
