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PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT REGARDING CCA-TREATED WOOD STUDY METHODS

Release Date: 09/24/2001
Contact Information:


FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT REGARDING CCA-TREATED WOOD STUDY METHODS

Dave Deegan 202-564-7839 / deegan.dave@epa.gov


Several draft guidelines (“protocols”) for sampling and analyzing chemical residues from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated playground equipment have been released for public review and comment. Prior to initiating any actual sampling and analysis, a 30-day comment period is open to solicit public input on the study design. The comment period will remain open until Oct. 22. Developed cooperatively by EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these protocols will be used in studies to analyze dislodgeable and soil residues of arsenic, chromium, and copper from, and adjacent to, CCA-treated playground equipment. Because of specific concerns related to the use of CCA-treated wood in playground equipment, EPA is analyzing available exposure and hazard data in order to determine possible risks to children. The Agency and the CPSC have together developed protocols to conduct targeted exposure studies that are expected to provide reliable data to better evaluate the potential exposure and any associated risks to children who may come in contact with CCA-treated wood. These efforts are one aspect of EPA’s comprehensive evaluation of the human health and environmental effects associated with CCA. The Federal Register notice announcing this comment period was published on Sept. 20, and is available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html. Additional information on EPA’s ongoing reassessment of CCA-treated wood is available at: www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/1file.htm .

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