Group Seeks Recall, Refunds For Arsenic-Treated Playsets

Abstract

Environmental activists last week asked the Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC) to recall arsenic-treated playsets in public areas and to required wood preservers to refund consumers who bought such playsets. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) made its request of CPSC the same day that EPA finalized a phaseout of the use of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) to preserve lumber for residentials uses, including playsets and decks. EPA announced the restrictions more than a year ago in a voluntary agreement with industry to eliminate this use of CCA by Dec. 31. The agency, on March 17, completed the regulatory paperwork to implement the agreement. Jane W. Houlihan, EWG's vice president for research, says the group supports EPA's action that affects future sales. However, only CPSC has the statutory authority to address existing structures that were made with CCA-treated wood, she says. The group wants CPSC and EPA to educate consumers on reducing exposure to CCA from ...