Posted by  Peter S. Montgomery, Partner, Georgetown Timber Co. on November 15, 2003 at 11:24:04:

In Reply to:  ArchWeek - Arsenic in Wood - Dangers Persist posted by Kevin Matthews on March 12, 2003 at 13:58:02:

We, the partners at Georgetown Timber Co., recently located your 3/12/2003 article, "Arsenic in Wood — Dangers Persist" while researching on EWG's e-clip service. While repeatedly and vehemently denied by interested CCA producers, it is true. CCA is an unnatural health risk. Just ask the townships of Doylestown and Lancaster, Pa, and the Boston Parks Commissioner Antonia Pollack where CCA risk assessments have recently been completed.

The fact that these materials have been in use for 70 years is hardly relevant. Given the recently completed studies on 15 year old structures having equally high levels of CCA as recent installations, an EWG funded short film could be entitled, "Arsenic and Old Playgrounds."

What the US community of playground activists does not know is that there are natural alternatives to CCA, ACQ, AZCA and the other formulations for treated woods. These being: Greenheart, Purpleheart, Mora and Wallaba. Each is naturally resistant to subterranean insect infestation, decay and fungal rot. These materials have been used for centuries in marine applications throughout South America, Europe and the Caribbean. They contain no preservatives what so ever.

These South American hardwoods have a superior life cycle to treated
North American timbers. They are also far stronger having bending strength characteristics of 21,000 - 25,000 psi Vs 965 for Southern Yellow Pine, the species most commonly used in CCA and ACQ pressure treatment.

We know because we import these timbers and recommend these products to concerned communities, homebuilders and golf course developers.

Very truly yours,

Peter S. Montgomery
Georgetown Timber Co.
"We sell the planets toughest timber products."
GeorgetownTimber.com

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