New law aims to protect workers exposed to creosote
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- July
- 6
A new law will phase out the manufacture, sale and use of creosote in New York state.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, sponsored the legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Eliot Spitzer.
New York is the first state to order the phase out the cancer-causing chemical, which is often used as a wood preservative. Plastic lumber can be used in place of creosote-coated wood.
Workers in the trade industries, especially those who deal with outdoor wooden structures, such as poles and pilings, can be exposed to creosote. That include workers who build decks, boats or foundation shoring. Brodsky’s office estimates 25,000 to 30,000 New York workers are in this category, in particular employees of utilities and dock workers.
Creosote, which is listed as a hazardous waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, can cause skin irritation, chemical burns of the eyes, mental confusion, respiratory ailments, liver damage and cancer.
This entry was posted
on Friday, July 6th, 2007 at 4:54 pm by Mike Bieger.
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Creosote is not being phased out in NY. Only its uses in marine and foundation pilings—minor uses—are affected byt the new law. its major uses in railroad ties and utility polies are unaffected by the law.