19097

This article gives the incorrect and highly misleading definition of how wood preservatives work: by releasing “toxins into the water, killing everything nearby.” False. The treated wood itself becomes unpalatable to these organisms. Leaching does occur, but the literature is full of conflicting results as to the extent of the effect. Ironically, probably the most readily biodegradable preservative currently in use, creosote, is further impugned as a killer of us all.

Jeff Slahor
Morgantown, W.V.