Common sense wins in CCA review

National says the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) review that has found treated timber is safe in playgrounds is a victory for common sense.

A review by ERMA released today found no evidence that wood treated with Copper, Chromium and Arsenic (CCA) posed a health risk when proper hygiene and safety practices were followed. National Forestry Spokesman Brian Connell says the review was the latest in a series of reviews which had shown treated timber was not dangerous. "Treated timber has been safely used for 50 years. It has undergone considerable scrutiny and has been cleared once more.

"The point must be made that our timber companies were the ones who called for and supported the review. They have been very proactive in developing and implementing safety procedures to best practice standards.

"The evidence has been reviewed and a balanced and informed decision has been made. This is the information the Greens should have waited for rather than scaring the public unnecessarily over this issue.

"It is time we put the matter behind us. The critics need to stop undermining our third largest export sector," Mr Connell said.

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