ATTACK ON CCA-TREATED MATERIAL

The allegation that CCA-treated wood products are hazardous to health has been an issue for some years. It comes and goes, driven primarily by media sensationalism and by politicians pandering to environmental extremists. In January, the issue surfaced in relation to the disposal of CCA construction debris. A bill was being drafted in Tallahassee. Director Don Pardue, Ed Day, and a score of other interested members and non-members traveled to Tallahassee to meet with representatives of the American Wood Preservers Institute. After some heavy lobbying and educating, the bill was scrapped.

In March, Julie Hauserman, a reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, resumed an attack on CCA material. Notwithstanding the provision of scientific data and expert opinion, media frenzy has precipitated a rash of political decisions to restrict CCA material use in playgrounds, civic projects, etc. As is usually the case, a law firm saw the opportunity for large fees and has filed a class-action suit against some wood treaters and major retail distributors. The Governor and some legislators are overreacting. We reported the facts regarding CCA material in the April issue of the FMCA Newsletter.

To date, there has been no attack on the use of CCA-treated wood in marine construction. Director Don Pardue of Wood Treaters, Inc. and Tony Lipsey of Robbins Manufacturing have discussed the matter with the Board of Directors. Don has an excellent “Consumer Information Sheet” that can well be provided to end users of the material. Fax Don if you want a copy: 904/354-7123.

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