Your Days Are Lumbered

The health risks posed by arsenic-treated lumber are much greater than previously thought, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group and other public interest organizations. Health and environmental advocates have long questioned the use of arsenic, a known carcinogen, to render lumber resistant to insects and rot. Nevertheless, arsenic-treated wood is commonly used in a wide range of products, including picnic tables, decks, and playgrounds. The study concluded that one in 500 children who regularly come into contact with treated wood would be at risk for developing lung or bladder cancer later in life.