[katybarry]

I had railway sleepers laid for a raised bed at the end of the garden in 2002, before the EU ban. I recently heard the controversy about the carcinogens in creosote treated sleepers. I don't intend to grow veg in that particular raised bed but I would like to put in a raised bed in another part of the garden for vegetable growing. My question is this. From what I understand it is hazardous only when the skin comes in contact with the treated sleepers. Am I right in this or is there a danger that the toxins could leech into the soil and contaminate the rest of the garden?

[michael brenock]

to avoid any contamination to the roots of crops as they are quite susceptible to contamination by wood preservatives you could line the sides of the beds with sheets of polythene and have it overlap the top of the bed. Sleepers of that age have probably been well weathered by now but take no chances.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[James Kilkelly]

I think you better have a read of this thread as well katybarry........ RAILWAY SLEEPERS

[katybarry]

Many thanks guys. That eases my mind a bit.