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Pesticide News Story: Reregistration Eligibility Decisions Completed for Heavy Duty Wood Preservatives
For Release: November 19, 2008
EPA has completed Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (RED) for the three heavy duty wood preservatives: creosote, chromated arsenicals (e.g., chromated copper arsenate [CCA]), and pentachlorophenol. These REDs include our most current risk assessments for each chemical.
In general, EPA has determined that the compounds contribute benefits to society and are eligible for reregistration provided the mitigation measures and associated label changes identified in the REDs are implemented and required data are submitted. In its risk assessments, the Agency identified risks of concern associated with occupational exposure (i.e., treatment plant workers) to all three preservatives and ecological exposure to pentachlorophenol and creosote.
The Agency assessed these chemicals as part of its reregistration program for older pesticides. The three wood preservatives are used primarily for industrial purposes such as utility poles, pilings, and railroad ties. CCA was once the main treatment against wood decay on decks, fences, and playground equipment; however, these uses were voluntarily canceled effective December 31, 2003, and the RED does not assess risks from these canceled uses.
Notice of this action is published in the November 19, 2008, Federal Register at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2008/November/Day-19/p27307.htm.
For more information on the respective REDs, visit the public dockets at http://www.regulations.gov (chromated arsenicals: EPA-HQ-OPP-2003-0250; Creosote: EPA-HQ-OPP -2003-0248; Pentachlorophenol: EPA-HQ-OPP -2004-0402) or visit EPA’s wood preservatives Web sites: