March 25, 2003 – Play structures made of wood treated with an arsenic-based pesticide double the risk of childhood cancer, say US environmental groups asking the government to ban the process.
However, the manufacturers of these structures believe that their products are not dangerous and that a ban is unnecessary since the arsenic-based pesticide (chromated copper arsenate) will no longer be used as of January 2004, under an agreement with Washington.
This does not satisfy environmental groups. In addition to calling for an immediate end to the use of this pesticide, they require a recall of all structures already in place. They say children are at risk of contaminating themselves with arsenic residue, which would increase their risk of lung and bladder cancer1.
The US government is due to make its decision later this year. In the meantime, environmental groups recommend that parents wash children’s hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after they come in contact with these structures.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Associated Press, March 18, 2003.
1. Moore LE, Smith AH, Eng C, Kalman D, DeVries S, Bhargava V, Chew K, Moore D 2nd, Ferreccio C, Rey OA, Waldman FM. Arsenic-related chromosomal alterations in bladder cancer.J Natl Cancer Inst 2002 Nov 20; 94 (22): 1688-96. [Consulté le 25 mars 2003].
