Are treated railroad ties toxic?

Railroad ties are treated wood, steeped in a toxic stew of chemicals, chief of which is creosote. You can find old railroad ties for sale even at garden centers, which makes the question confusing. The EPA has denounced these repurposed barriers as toxic and not recommended for the garden.

How long do railroad ties soaked in creosote?

In a 2007 article in CrossTies (2), service life of preserved wood ties was estimated to be 19 years for high humidity and a southern wet climate exposure, and high-tonnage curved track and up to 50 years for lower humidity, low tonnage, and straight tangent track.

Is creosote treated wood dangerous?

Creosote-Treated Wood Disposal First and foremost, the EPA notes that creosote-treated wood – or wood treated with any kind of chemical preservative – should not be burned, so do not put it in your bonfire pile. Burning it will release toxic chemicals that could cause respiratory damage if inhaled.

Is creosote bad for gardens?

Yes, creosote does leach out of the ties and into the soil, but worn-out ties are generally not a problem, because most of their creosote has already leached away. However, because creosote is toxic, new ties can cause growth problems for plants that are sensitive to it.

Is creosote safe to breathe?

According to the National Institutes of Health, breathing creosote fumes can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, which can cause coughing and shortness of breath. People exposed to creosote emissions also have experienced skin irritations that include redness, burning sensations, and rashes.

What are the health risks of creosote?

These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.

Is the use of creosote illegal?

Consumer use of creosote has been banned since 2003. Creosote is a carcinogen at any level, and there are significant environmental risks when wood treated with creosote comes into direct contact with soil or water.

What has replaced creosote?

WOCO Creocote
Our approved creosote substitute ‘WOCO Creocote’ is a spirit oil-based, effective treatment for exterior wood. It has been developed as a safer (for the user) alternative to original creosote. It is still designed to be used to protect wood against rotting fungi and wood destroying insects on external timbers.