Warning Labels Due for Arsenic Used in Lumber
From Associated Press
WASHINGTON —
Consumer warning labels will start appearing this fall on nearly all the treated lumber in the United States, warning about an arsenic-laced preservative being used to protect the wood from decay and insect damage, the Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday.
The labels are designed to let people know about the presence of chromated copper arsenate, a powerful pesticide.
In addition, there will be stickers and signs for all in-store displays and a new toll-free hotline and Web site.
Arsenic, which is both manufactured and occurs naturally, has been discussed recently in wrangling over how much to limit it in drinking water.
The EPA is proposing to set a new limit after the Bush administration rescinded former President Clinton’s standard.
