User:Saveourwaters

Timber framed boat docks are toxic playgrounds. In 2001, the EPA banned arsenic treated wood from our children’s playgrounds because of the deadly hazards of exposure. Yet, treated timbers are still being used to build boat docks in many areas throughout the country. These timbers continuer to leach deadly toxins year after year.

Pressure-treated boards and timbers are leaking poisonous arsenic into our soil and waterways. The arsenic comes from 'chromated copper arsenate', CCA, an infusion of pesticides, fungicides, and preservatives to delay the natural decaying process of wood. These known carcinogens, have been linked to many cancers, poisonings, severe skin rashes, and many other health issues.

CCA treated wood, a very common boat dock building material, exposes us to unnecessary danger when we are most vulnerable. Barely clothed, barefoot, and wet the very waters around these docks continually wash the treated surfaces where we play. All reports and handling guidelines suggest we were gloves, glasses, and long sleeve shirts when handling CCA treated wood. Yet, once in place as our waterfront play ground, we can't expect our children to go swimming with so much protection.

More than 30 million pounds of pure arsenic comes into the U.S. each year. Much of this is used in treating wood and timbers that will be used in dock construction. Ultimately, the vast majority of this will end up in local landfills where it can leach into soil and local waterways. Saveourwaters (talk) 00:03, 4 June 2008 (UTC)Lin Rimple