What environmental risks are associated with the use of pressure treated utility poles?
The first line of protection for society is the registration of wood preservatives, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or Health Canada. These agencies conduct extensive review of the risks and benefits of wood preservatives with heavy emphasis on human and environmental health effects. The wood preservatives in use have all been through this screening, and classified as general use (copper naphthenate and ACQ) or restricted use pesticides (pentachlorophenol, ACZA, CCA) with specific requirements and regulatory controls for handling and use of the chemicals. Active ingredients used in wood preservatives. Many of the biocides used in wood preservatives are natural components of the earth’s crust and biosphere. Pentachlorophenol (penta) has been in use for over 60 years for treating utility poles, and is, by far, the most prevalent treatment. It is produced by the catalyzed direct chlorination of phenol. Extensive scientific study has shown that penta does not persist in most en
