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Issues concerning the levels and potential health risks
associated arsenic leaching from the pressure treated
lumber used to build the “Kids Castle”, in
Doylestown, Pennsylvania were brought to the public’s
attention at a press conference on October 30, 2003. Wipe
tests of the structure, one of the largest and most popular
in Pennsylvania, were conducted on October 14, 2003 by
environmentalist, Linda Lori. The results were analyzed
by the Environmental Quality Institute at the University
of North Carolina and indicated that high levels of arsenic
were present at several locations easily accessible to
children. |
Ms. Lori stressed that the intent of her tests was simply to
stimulate action on the part of Doylestown officials who thus
far have seemed unconcerned about the potential hazard. Doylestown
Supervisor, Tom Scarbourgh acknowledged that the township was
aware of the potential problems from testing in 2000 and had
recently applied sealant in response. Mr. Scarbourgh could not
provide an answer when questioned as to why no tests had been
conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. Ms.
Lori’s testing was completed after the sealing operation.
Documents obtained from Doylestown Township also indicated
that the testing done in 2000 did not conform with standard
practice as no wipe tests appear to have been conducted. Testing
was limited to ground samples and cut tests. On the positive
side, ground sample results were quite low. However, the use
of a cut test is of little value in that all it really does
is verify that arsenic is present in the wood, which is to
be expected since it was placed there intentionally during
manufacture.
Several residents and minority Supervisor Barbara Eisenhardt
expressed their dismay over the reluctance of the Board of
Supervisors as a whole to address the problem. Frustration
was also evident at what is perceived to be the board’s
condescending and dismissive attitude toward Ms. Eisenhardt
when she has raised the issue in the past. Proposals that
the entire structure be wrapped in paper or that the children
be given paper towels when they leave the play area were viewed
as indicative that the board did not understand and/or did
not take the issue seriously.
The ICP would like to commend Ms. Lori for her handling of
the issue in an objective, professional manner. Hopefully,
her efforts will “encourage” the Doylestown supervisors
to do a full and complete study of the safety of “Kids
Castle.” Our children deserve nothing less.
For additional information on CCA contamination please see
Environmental Health – CCA
Issues within our Environmental Resource Center.
For more and continuing information on the Kid’s Castle
please visit:
http://doylestownwatchdogs.org/
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