July 24, 2002, Albany – NYCAP, with the assistance of University at Albany Geochemist John Arnason and intern Allison Lounsbury, has undertaken preliminary field research to test for the presence of arsenic, chromium and copper contamination at public playgrounds. This field research revealed extremely high levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper in two play structures in the City of Albany and one play structure in Grahamsville, NY. These findings are consistent with the findings of similar field research nationwide and raise concern about children's exposures to known human carcinogens.

Many wooden play structures common to school and municipal playgrounds have been treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a toxic pesticide designed to protect the wood from pests and decay.

Recent data suggests that Arsenic can leach out of CCA-treated wood and into the environment, where it can rub off onto children’s hands or contaminate the soil. Arsenic, classified by the EPA as a known human carcinogen, has been linked to birth defects, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous system damage. Children are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of CCA leaching due to their frequent hand-to-mouth contact and limited ability to detoxify chemicals. Their immature organ systems are also uniquely susceptible to irreparable damage.

Pamela S. Hadad Hurst, executive director of the New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides commented that "It's alarming to learn that children are playing on arsenic laced soil that exceeds DEC cleanup levels by 35 times. If the structures get torn down, they should be considered hazardous waste."

Cr = chromium Cu = copper As = arsenic ppm = parts per million 

Wipe samples approximately the size of a child's hand were taken in addition to soil samples. These samples revealed that the average arsenic level found in Washington Park in Albany was 122 micrograms, which is equivalent to findings of a similar study by Stephen Roberts of the University of Florida’s Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, which assessed cancer risk from arsenic exposure through contact with CCA-treated wood. Assuming daily exposure to treated wood for 5 years, the study showed that the cancer risk increases with the level of arsenic on the wood surface. According to the USEPA, an acceptable cancer risk for an individual is 1 in 1 million. This would be the cancer risk from exposure to wood with 0.24 micrograms arsenic per 100 square centimeters (about the area of a child’s hand). At 122 micrograms arsenic per 100 square centimeters of wood surface (average for Washington Park), a child’s risk of getting cancer increases to about 5 in 10,000 or about a factor of 500 greater than what is considered an acceptable risk for cancer.

According to University at Albany Geochemist John G. Arnason "When the EPA allowed the wood preservative industry to continue to use these chemicals, it was assumed that they would remain in the wood. This study and others before it demonstrate that arsenic, chromium, and copper are easily leached from the wood interior, to the surface, and into the surrounding soil. It is clear that CCA-treated wood poses an immediate as well as a long-term threat to human health and the environment."

In recognition of the hazards posed by CCA wood, the wood treatment industry recently entered into an agreement with the EPA to phase-out the production of CCA wood for home decking and play structures. Nevertheless, this phase-out does not take effect until January 1, 2004 and does not require the testing, sealing or removal of existing playground structures that may continue to present a significant risk to children. The New York State Legislature recently passed legislation (S7167a, Alesi and A10221a, Koon) which prohibits the future use of wood pressure-treated with CCA for public playground equipment and further requires proper maintenance of existing playground equipment and the underlying groundcover to avoid exposure to CCA.

Assemblymember David Koon (135AD) stated "Families expect playgrounds to be safe places where their children can enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. My landmark legislation to protect our children from CCA has passed the Assembly and Senate and I urge the Governor to sign the bill into law in New York State."

Albany is not unique in encountering the problem of leaching arsenic. Similar studies undertaken by the Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides have prompted the closing and replacement of CCA play structures. Another study in Ithaca, NY by Sandra Stenigraber, PhD., an author, biologist and concerned parent, found similarly high numbers.

NYCAP's recommends the following:

• Parents should assure that all the CCA-treated play structures, home decking, fencing and surrounding soil that their children may come into contact with has been sampled for arsenic and chromium
• If the sample results reveal these contaminants at levels exceeding the DEC cleanup guidance, remediation should include replacement of the structure and surrounding ground cover or soil
• If replacement is not immediately practical, pressure-treated wood structures should be sealed and painted every year to prevent further leaching, and ground cover or soil should be replaced
• Don't let children eat off of arsenic-treated picnic tables - at least cover the table with a coated tablecloth
• Make sure children wash their hands thoroughly after playing on arsenic-treated surfaces, including home decking, particularly before eating.

NYCAP intends to replicate this research in various locations across the state. The organization is seeking funding to initiate a collaborative statewide effort to promote public awareness about CCA dangers, shed light on the extent of contamination of playground structures, and stimulate further scientific research into this issue. The ultimate objective of this research is to protect children from exposure to dangerous levels of arsenic present on surfaces of pressure-treated playground structures and in surrounding soil.

Founded in 1989, NYCAP has organized over a hundred alternative pest management training programs for schools, hospitals, municipalities and the public on alternatives to pesticides. NYCAP also provides a clearinghouse with information on alternative solutions to common pest problems. 

Contacts:
Pamela S. Hadad Hurst, Executive Director of the New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, 518-426-8246,
Dr. John G. Arnason, Geochemist , Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University at Albany, 518-442-4474
Assemblyman David Koon, Chair of the NYS Assembly Commission on Hazardous Waste and Toxic Substances, 716-223-9130