Timber Crossties and Contamination:with longevity and multiple health risks!
The use of timber crossties presents significant environmental concerns.
Vulnerability: These crossties are vulnerable to rot and organic decay due to insect, fungi, and other biological activities, particularly in humid environments with moist soil. To mitigate these issues, wood preservatives such as creosote, borate, ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate, and chromated copper arsenate are commonly employed.
Health Hazards: While effective in preventing biological degradation and insect damage, these preservatives pose health risks. Exposure to these chemicals can result in skin rashes, lung cancer, and other health problems. Improper handling can lead to soil penetration, groundwater contamination, and adverse effects on surrounding plant and animal life. Creosote, a known carcinogen, releases fumes from treatment plants that can negatively impact nearby areas, causing illnesses.
Regulations: The railroad industry has underscored the necessity for standards and regulations to govern the storage and disposal of creosote-treated timber crossties. Consequently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is implementing increasingly stringent regulations to address these concerns.
Carpet Waste:3.4 billion pounds are discarded every year!
• Most carpets – like nylon, polyester, and olefin – are made from non-biodegradable plastic. They are durable but become the #2 contributor to landfills when discarded.
• Used carpet is hard to manage because it’s heavy and bulky and its components—face fiber, adhesive, and backing system—make recycling complex.
• Existing recycling technology requires a tedious and costly two-step process: separating the components and then mixing additional materials to create a usable product.
