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2002 SESSION

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HJ 45 Study; arsenic risks associated with certain pressure-treated wood.

Introduced by: John M. O'Bannon, III | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Agency study; arsenic risks associated with certain pressure-treated wood. Requests the Board and Commissioner of Health to study the arsenic risks associated with wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a pesticide. Many of the nation's outdoor wood structures are composed of CCA-treated wood; for example, decks, park benches, picnic tables, school and park playscapes, stadium bleachers, treehouses, boat decks, gazebos, and boardwalks. Recent studies indicate that the arsenic containing pesticide leaches out of the wood over time and weather exposure and that residue remains on the structure and contaminates the nearby soil. When CCA-treated wood is sawed or burned, arsenic is released and the risk of poisoning is enhanced. The symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning which can result in coma, convulsions, and death are known; however, as this resolution describes, there is an increased risk of cancer from low-dose, long-term exposure to arsenic. The Board and Commissioner of Health are directed to (i) examine the available studies relating to the arsenic risks from CCA-treated wood and other states’ activities to prevent these risks; (ii) assess the arsenic risks from CCA-treated wood in the Commonwealth, e.g., from residue, burning, sawing, or otherwise; (iii) determine feasible and effective ways to publicize the safe handling of CCA-treated wood to minimize the arsenic risks; (iv) evaluate ways to inform the public about the long-term benefits of purchasing and building with products that do not contain arsenic; and (v) consider the efficacy of adding arsenic poisoning to the list of reportable diseases which, as authorized by § 32.1-35, may include exposure to toxic substances.


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