Silver News

U.S. Congress Looks to Silver-Based Biocides for Wood Preservation - Harmful Arsenic-Based Solutions Targeted for Government Ban
October 10, 2002

(Washington, D.C. - October 10, 2002) - Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) has introduced legislation directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study of the effectiveness of silver-based biocides as an alternative treatment to preserve wood. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) has cosponsored the bill.

S.3062, the "Wood Preservation Safety Act of 2002," introduced in the U.S Senate on October 4, directs the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin to conduct a study on the effectiveness of silver-based biocides as a wood preservation treatment.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the chemical industry and the home-improvement industry negotiated an agreement to phase out the use of arsenic-based wood preservatives in pressure-treated wood by December 31, 2003. This transition affects virtually all residential uses of wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), including wood used in play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways/boardwalks. Beginning January 1, 2004, the EPA will not allow any CCA products in these residential uses. Corporations such as Home Depot and Lowe's have announced they would stop selling lumber treated with an arsenic-based preservative in concert with the EPA announcement.

"Since ancient times silver has been used as a treatment to prevent the spread of bacteria and has acted as a purifying agent. Its healthful properties are well known, and it's projected that by 2006 silver's use as a biocide in various applications could grow by 600%," said Paul Bateman, Executive Director of the Silver Institute. "However, if silver-based biocides were used as an alternative to harmful arsenic-based preservatives, over 100 million ounces a year would be consumed in this application alone, adding significantly to overall worldwide fabrication demand," Bateman added.

The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association. Established in 1971, the Institute serves as the industry's voice in increasing public understanding of the value and many uses of silver.

For Further Information Contact:

Mike DiRienzo
The Silver Institute
1200 G Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 835-0185
Fax: (202) 835-0155