Author |
Message |
katybarry Rank attained: Hazel Tree

Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 2 Location: CORK
|
Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:20 pm Post subject: toxins in old sleepers |
|
|
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? _________________ KATYBARRY |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
michael brenock Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 1275 Location: cork
|
Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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) |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
James Kilkelly Rank: Site Admin

Joined: 30 May 2006 Posts: 2173 Location: West of Ireland
|
|
Back to top |
|
 |
katybarry Rank attained: Hazel Tree

Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 2 Location: CORK
|
Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 3:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Many thanks guys. That eases my mind a bit. _________________ KATYBARRY |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|