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Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lfl@intrex.net>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Creosote
  • Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 01:07:43 -0800

Michael Murphy wrote:
How old are the ties? I think the stuff leaches out over a long period of
time....

Creosote is a by product of the turpentine industry, pine tar creosote;
apparently has medicinal uses: used to see cans of it in the drug store.

Coal tar creosote is different, is carcinogenic and probably has herbicidal
qualities.

Still creosote and creosote-treated RR Xties are nowhere near as dangerous as
CCA pressure treated lumber.

I was once a landscape contractor and built many patios, steps and planters,
often with green RR Xties from the sawmill
and painted them with creosote. Kinda strong smelling stuff :-) It was the termite treatment of choice for house and building underpinnings for many years.

Its a lot safer than CCA lumber.

If BK's ties are old and not smelly they are probably safe for raised bed
construction, though I would paint the inside surfaces
or line them with some other wood, plastic, etc.

-
L.F.London
lfl@intrex.net
http://market-farming.com
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech





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