Environmental education on wood preservatives and preservative-treated wood products

Abstract

The development and use of wood preservatives in Nigeria should address not only the cost and demand functions but also the potential hazards in environmental equations. Forest products specialists are often asked about the perceived risks and environmental costs of treated wood products. Evidently, the civil society is ignorant of the fact that preservative treated wood products (PTWP) are not as lethal as pesticides. In this paper, a careful review is made of the environmental and health effects of widely used wood preservatives and preservative treated wood. The preservatives considered are Creosote, Pentachlorophenol, water-borne Arsenicals and Borates. It is acknowledged that while the preservative chemicals may have exposure and mobility thresholds per se, the nostalgia associated with PTWP is unwarranted. PTWP are non-hazardous; can be disposed in ordinary landfill sites and users are advised on best application and handling protocols to avert any undersirable impacts.

Journal of Environmental Extension Vol.4 2003: 55-58