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6 Years in a Row
Top rated, 2003-2008
At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pores over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment, and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.
The Poisonwood Rivals: What the Arsenic Wood Lobby Would Like You to Believe About Their Dangerous Product
Arsenic wood lobby claims: Very little arsenic rubs off the wood after it's in your backyard.
Scientific studies show: Significant amounts of arsenic are easily wiped off of decks and playsets for years, far more on average than the Environmental Protection Agency allows in drinking water. At least seven studies from state health departments, the wood industry, university researchers, federal agencies and independent consumer test programs show that, on average, 16 times more arsenic rubs off the surface of the wood than EPA allows in a 6-ounce glass of water.
Scientific "hand loading" and "wipe" studies showing high level of arsenic easily wiped from the surface of arsenic-treated wood:
- California Department of Health Surfaces (CADHS). 1987. Evaluation of hazards posed by the use of wood preservatives on playground equipment. State of California. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Deoartment of Health Services, Health and Welfare Agency.
- Riedel D, D Galarneau, J Harrison, DC Gregoire and N Bertrand. February 1991. Residues of arsenic, chromium and copper on and near playground structures built of wood pressure-treated with CCA type preservatives. Health and Welfare Canada (unpublished).
- Stilwell DE. 1998. Arsenic from CCA-treated wood can be reduced by coating. Frontiers of Plant Science.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 1990. Estimate of risk of skin cancer from dislodgeable arsenic on pressure treated wood playground equipment.
- Maine Bureau of Health/Environmental Toxicology Program. 1998. Evaluation of Children's Health Hazards from Arsenic Exposure with the Use of CCA-Treated Wood in Residential Structures and Municipal Playgrounds. Draft. August 1998.
- Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). 1998. Metal removal from CCA-treated lumber under simulated normal use conditions. Report to Osmose. November 23.
- Environmental Working Group and Health Building Network (EWG and HBN). 2001. The Poisonwood Rivals. A report on the dangers of touching arsenic treated wood. November 2001. Available online at www.ewg.org.
