No justification for use of chromium

In response to the letter User Class 4 posts are fit for purpose, the suggestion that WPA “voted to remove chromium from UK wood treatment formulations” shows a misunderstanding of the regulatory process and the strength of scientific opinion about chromium held by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), the regulator of chemicals in the UK.

The HSE views chromium in the context of wood preservation as an active, biocidal substance, the use of which is prohibited in the UK. No new scientific evidence could be found to justify the use of chromium in the UK and HSE withdrew approval in 2006. Although some EU states subsequently gave approval for the restricted use of chromium in a non-biocidal, “fixative” capacity, HSE has not changed its view. Chromium compounds are in the European Chemicals Agency list of substances of very high concern.

It may still be legal to import wood treated with a chromium-containing preservative into the UK, but any business that pins its commercial strategy on such products is running against the regulatory tide and must be prepared for the consequences.

For Use Class 4 timber products the ability to perform is vital. The core standard for all treated wood in the UK is BS 8417 and the WPA remains totally committed to helping treaters meet its requirements no matter what the species and, through our Benchmark quality scheme, to provide independent verification for buyers that the level of protection given to a product produced to the WPA Benchmark is fit for purpose.

Stephen J Young
Director
Wood Protection Association