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Re: creosote



As a result of an email message I received, I thought it appropriate to 
issue a disclaimer.  I have no opinion on the use of chromated copper 
arsenate wood preservatives in underground living space.  I have no 
expertise on this subject and no data, and the posted article should not be 
construed as an endorsement of the use of chromated copper arsenate wood 
preservatives underground or elsewhere.  The purpose of this message was 
only to illustrate that there are concerns about the use of creosote.

	jim austin

In article <4lipp7$hcr@noc1.biddeford.com>, austin@mail.biddeford.com 
says...
>
>The following is from THE UNDERGROUND HOUSE BOOK, by Stu Campbell, 
>copyright 1980 by Garden Way, Inc.: 
>
>"Traditional wood preservatives such as creosote and pentachlorophenol ARE 
>toxic and may not be used legally in underground walls that inclose living 
>space.  But newer chromated copper arsenate salt preservatives are 
>non-toxic, odor free, virtually unleachable and permanent.  In other 
words, 
>they're sound and safe."
>
>Incidently, I live in a house very similar to the one you describe.  
>There are a few differences : it's mostly poured, not concrete block.  
>It is built in two levels, built in two stages.  Initially it was 
>completely underground except for the south wall (one story) with a 
>concrete slab above.  The second story was added because of leaks 
>through the ceiling.  The addition is timber frame, with rather beefy 
>construction.  The property has lots of fir and hemlock, and these were 
>used: 6x10" posts, 2x10's 12 inches on center.  So far we've enjoyed it 
>very much.  There are only two problems so far: a leak through the 
>crack between the wall slab and the (downstairs) roof slab (I intend to 
>fix this this week) and some cracking in the drywall upstairs, which is 
>either a result of thermal expansion/contraction or the pressure of 
>earth on the somewhat flexible north wall.I've only been here a few months 
>and I'm not an expert, but I'm happy to provide any info I can.  Also, I'd 
>be interested if you'd keep me up to date on your progress.
>
>        Regards,
>
>        Jim Austin
>
>In article <Pine.SOL.3.91.960418222423.3986B-100000@ms3>, 
>claydona@ms3.hinet.net says...
>>
>>On Mon, 15 Apr 1996, EDEL CHADWICK wrote:
>>
>>> Can anyone answer this questuion, I am hoping to build a house soon, 
>>> partially earth bermed, south facing slope etc. I hope to use 
>>> concrete block for the north and possibly east and west walls with 
>>> the rest timber framed. I have access to used electricity poles, these 
>>> are 20-30 years old, hard wood and had been treated with creosote at 
>>> the beginning of their life. Are these safe to use from a personal 
>>> and environmental point of view, do any special precautions need to 
>>> be taken?
>>> Thanks 
>>> Edel
>>> 
>>> 
>>Dear Edel,
>>Do you have access to any other form of recycled timber
>>? my experience of telegraph poles is they're difficult to cut even with 
>>a chainsaw and burn very well...something you might take into account.
>>Be well
>>Angus Claydon
>>claydona@hinet.net
>>
>




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