Arsen im Holzschutz

Arsenic compounds used in wood preservation are classified as dangerous substances for which a cancerogenic effect to man has clearly been shown. Occupational exposure is possible by working up the preservatives and the impregnated wood. In the area of preservation plants in part a tremendously high contamination of soil by arsenic has been measured. By modern technology the environmental input in the area of the preservation plant could be reduced to a large extent. Although wood impregnated with arsenicals is thought to be relatively safe during its use, considerable proportions of the arsenic from CCA-treated wood can be loaded onto the environment under severe leaching conditions. By burning treated wood without flue gas cleaning 20% to 80% of the arsenic will be emitted to the air. There the arsenic is again present in a form for which a cancerogenic potential has been shown. Waste management problems of treated wood are discussed from a legal, practical and environmental policy point of view, and other sources of emission of arsenic are referred to comparison.