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Commission consults on creosote wood preservative ban

The European Commission has launched an online consultation to collect evidence about the possible consequences of a phase out of creosote, a widely used wood preservative. Recent studies have identified some risks to human health and to the environment when creosote comes into direct contact with soil or water. Creosote is being evaluated as part of a ten-year review of biocidal products, which should be complete by 2010. The consultation will also gather opinions about the availability of less hazardous or non-hazardous alternatives, and will be open from 30 April until 30 June 2008.

• Creosote consultation