The use of creosote in France is restricted to the treatment of railway sleepers
Creosote is an active substance used in biocidal products for the preventive treatment of wood to fight against attacks by insects and fungi while giving treated wood increased resistance to climatic conditions. This substance persists and accumulates in the environment. Moreover, it can cause cancers and impaired fertility. Consequently, its conditions of use are strictly governed by European regulations on biocidal products, which limit its use to the industrial environment only.
In France, following restrictions on use by ANSES in 2018, the government has limited the use of these products solely for the treatment of railway sleepers wooden in a decree of 2018.
The recovery of road sleepers exposes to health risks
In France, the secondary uses of this wood treated with creosote are also prohibited. For example, individuals are not allowed to use them for fencing, charcoal or firewood. Indeed, these uses present risks for the health of consumers but also for the environment. However, second-hand exchange practices still exist despite this ban. ANSES therefore reiterates that railway sleepers should not be reused. Existing creosote wood must be disposed of as dangerous waste. Furthermore, currently, only the “crosspiece” shape provides information on the origin of these pieces of wood. The Agency recommended that a marking be applied when treating the wood with creosote to be identifiable over time.
A desire to quickly limit uses also at European level
In order to avoid the exposure of populations as much as possible, it is important to harmonize the restrictions in European countries. With this in mind, ANSES has submitted a dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the Reach Regulation.
This proposal aims to allow only identical reuse of wood treated with creosote for authorized biocidal use: reuse by the same user, in the same country, under the same conditions, i.e. for example in France the use as railway sleepers. The socio-economic analysis shows that in the absence of a technically and economically viable alternative to date, this is an option that would limit the production of new creosote-treated wood.
The restriction dossier is put out for public consultation on the ECHA website until June 22, 2023.