Tips and Tricks on Being a Better Student
Pressure-treated lumber warnings
Wake up to Reaganfest
Are you looking for a way to have fun with your kids and bond with the Stone Oak Community? Reagan High School is going above and beyond your expectations to make this dream a reality.
On Saturday, April 9 th, Reagan is hosting the first annual community carnival: Reaganfest !
From 12:00 to 5:00 you can spend your Saturday afternoon at Reagan High School playing games, taking adventures, listening to music, and enjoying the variety of food and fun. Admission is free.
All ages are welcome to come and be in good company with one another while making this event the start of an ongoing tradition. Rock climbing, moon bounce, Velcro wall, giant slide, dunking booth, face painting, a fishpond, and pie throwing are a few of the countless activities that will be held.
So, when you wake up on Saturday with a full day ahead of you, make it worthwhile and join all of your friends and family at Reaganfest 2005.
Submitted by Clarissa Negrete
Many of you may have already seen the article by Jerry Needham, published in the February 28, 2005 edition of the San Antonio Express-News, entitled “New Water Ordinance Seeks to Cut Waste.” The article contained very helpful information, and we were requested by some Stone Oak residents to provide that information in this month’s Newsletter. Therefore, excerpts of that article have been reprinted, with permission, below.
“Starting Tuesday [March 1 st] a revised city ordinance aimed at saving water bans carwash fund-raisers from being held anywhere other than carwash facilities.
“Another provision of the changes approved by City Council with no fanfare on Jan. 20 could hit many San Antonians in the pocketbook. It states that by year’s end, every irrigation system with an automatic controller will have to be equipped with a rain sensor, or its owner risks getting a citation.
“’That’s one of the things we get a lot of complaints about – sprinklers on timers going off in the rain or shortly after it’s rained,’ said Calvin Finch, conservation director for the San Antonio Water System.
“Most sprinkler systems installed in San Antonio in the past five years have rain sensors, said Kelly Hall, a representative of the Green Industry Alliance and co-owner with her husband of an irrigation firm.
“’So what you’re looking at is trying to get folks from that point back in history to put a sensor on their systems,’ she said, estimating the number involved could range from 5,000 to 15,000.
“And, if homeowners install or pay to install the right kind of sensor, SAWS will pay half the cost up to $50 until January. So far, the big chain home improvement stores are not selling the sensors eligible for rebates, Finch said.
“The right type of sensor – not the kind that measures moisture in a cup, but the kind with hydroscopic discs that swell up with moisture – will mean less chance of trouble, officials said.
“Hall said the SAWS-approved type of sensor retails for about $40 and can be installed by homeowners or, for an average cost of about $125, irrigation companies would provide and install the sensor.
“The provision requiring fund-raisers to be at carwash facilities is coming back after it mistakenly was dropped during several changes to the drought ordinance in summer 2000.
“Carwash facilities have to agree to host at least three fund-raisers a year, Finch said, and SAWS keeps a list of facilities that are available.
“Most of the other provisions of the new ordinance will apply only to new construction.
“Beginning next year, developers won’t be able to put grass on new construction unless they ensure there’s at least four inches of dirt underneath it. And, come Jan. 1, 2007, all grass on new construction must be drought-tolerant varieties capable of going 60 days without turning on the sprinklers.
“Already the best among Texas’ 15 largest cities at keeping down water use per person, San Antonio’s new conservation provisions ought to save about 1.3 billion gallons of water a year, Finch said. That’s enough to meet the annual needs of about 15,000 families. . . .
“Other provisions that go into effect next January set out restrictions for cooling towers, restaurant kitchen operations, newly installed ice machines, new carwashes and new commercial buildings.
“Also required beginning next January are annual inspections or irrigation systems at golf courses, athletic fields and all properties of five acres or more.
“Irrigation systems on new construction starting next year must be zoned according to plant type – more water allowed for grass, less for shrubs and flower beds.
“And homebuilders and developers must have a water-saving xeriscape option among the landscaping plans offered to prospective homebuyers and, if they construct model homes for a subdivision, must have at least one model landscaped according to a xeriscape design.
“’I think the centerpiece of the ordinance are [sic] those provisions that require that landscapes on new homes constructed in San Antonio in the future will be low water use,’ Finch said. . . .
“Although owners of existing homes could install whatever kinds of grasses they want, Finch said he hopes they will opt for drought-hardy varieties.
“’It’s important for water conservation, because the most severe drought restrictions that we could expect would be to eliminate landscape watering,’ he said. ‘We hope that never happens, but if it does, a person’s investment would be protected with drought-tolerant species.’
“’They could moan and groan about it not being as pretty as they’d like, but their lawn would survive. Then the rains started or the restrictions were lifted, the grass would come back.’”
Tips and Tricks on Being a Better Student
By
Michael Southworth M. Ed
Southworth11@ yahoo.com
What defines a good student? The first thing most people think of is grades. Believe it or not, the teacher’s favorite students are not always the ones that make straight A’s. This article will give the inside information from the teacher’s point of view on what makes a good student. I can’t speak for all teachers, but if these tips and tricks are used you will be surprised on the results.
Respect
The best way to teach a student respect is to tell them that if they want respect they need to give respect. Nothing comes for free! There is nothing worse to a teacher, than a student that is disrespectful and who has a smart mouth. There are some small things that a parent can explain to a child that will demonstrate to the teacher that they are respected.
When a teacher is in front of the room the child/student should always have eye contact with the teacher. If the child doesn’t have eye contact it makes the teacher feel that the student is not interested in what they are saying. How would you feel if you were talking in front of a large group of people and they started putting their heads down or talking, writing and not listening? Eye contact is a fundamental skill that all children should learn at a young age. If any adult talks to them they should always have eye contact with them. It’s a sign of respect in American society.
Simple greetings can go along way. Saying, “good morning” or “good afternoon” followed by a question is a great way to earn respect. For example, “Good morning, Mr. Southworth. How was your weekend?” This lets the person know that you are interested in them. Your child will get many compliments which will in turn reinforce this behavior.
Ask Questions
The hardest thing for a student to do is to ask questions in front of their peers. The last thing a student wants is for other students to think they are dumb. Parents need to let their child know that there is no such thing as a dumb question. This is the whole reason they are at school -- that is to learn and have all their questions answered. Asking questions will have a huge impact on the teacher/student relationship.
Asking questions will have multiple effects. First, the teacher will feel respected because the child is interested. Second, a teacher is willing to give extra effort to a student who wants to learn. Third, the question they ask may be the question that other children in the class wanted to ask but were too scared to ask. Fourth, the child learns more.
The best way to ask a question is raising their hand during the lesson while it’s fresh in their mind. Most children are not comfortable taking the risk. There are many other ways to ask questions without the embarrassment. After the lesson is over, go to the teacher’s desk and ask a specific question. “I don’t understand” is not a good question. They need to ask a specific questions like, “I don’t understand how to get a common denominator.” The more specific the question the better the teacher can help. The children can stay after class if possible and ask a question, without the intimidation of their peers. The student can write a note to the teacher, whichever way your child is more comfortable, asking questions is OK as long as they are able to get their questions answered.
Get Organized
The hardest and most important thing to teach a child is organization. The reason it’s so hard to teach organization is because it a learned behavior that takes constant reinforcement on the part of the parents and teachers.
Organization is the key to your child’s success in school. I can’t count the number of students I’ve taught that just simply lose their class work. They develop bad habits like stuffing all their papers into their desk (The Black Hole), or they file papers in their textbooks and nine times out of ten, they fall out. The best way to solve the organizational nightmare is to use a binder. The binder should have folders with two pockets that divide the subjects. One side of the folder should be homework and the other side should be work to turn in. The binder should also have a planner. Most schools require the students to keep planners from 3rd grade and up. The problem is children don’t use them correctly. Students should write all the daily assignments in their planner at the beginning of each day. At the end of the day students should highlight work they need to finish at home. The planner is a great way to communicate with parents to let them know what is being taught in the classroom. If your child says they have no homework, have a look at the planner. Some children tell their parents that they turned it in. It is very rare for a teacher to ask students to turn in an assignment on the same day it is assigned.
Students should also have completed assignments filed correctly in their binders. Ask to see the work they did that day. This would be a great opportunity to go over or reinforce skills taught in the classroom.
Reinforcement is the key! Check their planner and binder everyday. Make sure all paper and assignments are filed properly.
These are some ideas that I’ve discovered that makes life easier for the teacher and student. Learning how to get organized, asking questions, and showing respect are difficult things to teach children, but with a little time and effort the results of these tips and tricks may surprise you.
If you have any comments or questions about this article feel free to email me. If you have any topics you would liked discussed, please send suggestions to southworth11@yahoo.com.
Twilight 5K Run & 1 Mile Kids FUN RUN!
When: Saturday, April 9 th 2005
Location: To Be Announced
Registration & Information: www/geocities.com/amabsun/
Why?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Our goal is to significantly accelerate cures for leukemia and related cancers.
Team in Training is a comprehensive endurance program for runners, walkers, cyclists and triathletes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The goal of Team in Training is to increase funding to support the Society’s Mission while promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles.
The St. Anthony’s Triathlon Team is asking for your support as we work towards our fundraising goal. Come enjoy this Family Fun Event!
Due to the increasing number of requests made to Stone Oak P.O.A. by Stone Oak residents to provide traps to catch stray animals and subsequently arrange for the animals’ disposal, a policy change is required:
The Stone Oak maintenance personnel are not trained animal-handlers and since so many of the trapped animals are wild, the risk to their safety is too great.
 | Stone Oak POA., through the management company, will continue to furnish available traps to Stone Oak residents, but the entrapped animal will need to be turned over to one of the following agencies: |
Animal Control - City, dogs and cats only (210) 207-6650
Critter Control - $59.00 for all animals except skunks which are $99.00 (210) 499-4225
World Wide Pest Control - $50.00 per animal (210) 734-0000
Wildlife Rescue - will pick up orphaned or injured WILD animals only. (210) 698-1709
In all cases, the animals must be contained in a trap. Traps must be returned to the Stone Oak POA office.
WITH “ TEXAS SUPERSTARS”
By
Diane Pfeil
Water Efficiency Coordinator
BexarMet Water District
If you want plants that are borne to thrive in our hot dry conditions, do not despair. There is a program, “Texas Superstars,” that has identified plants tailored to our environment and so well adapted and versatile that the average person will have a positive experience with them. One of the purposes of this program is to “ensure that consumers utilize the very best and most environmentally responsible plant materials, products and horticultural techniques.”
The goal is to recommend attractive, productive plants, with minimum effort but maximum protection for the environment. The “Texas Superstar” program identifies plants that will perform well for Texas consumers. Superstar candidates are tested from one to three years at various sites with attention given to hardiness, disease resistance and aesthetics. The plants are hardy, tolerating hot, dry summers, diseases and insect-tolerant, providing beauty with minimal care and minimal reliance on chemical pest control. After rigorous testing, these plants have been found to be meritorious. These plants are designated as “Texas Superstars.”
The following are some of the “Texas Superstars” that are born to thrive in your landscape:
Gold Star Esperanza,Tecoma stans, ‘Gold Star’
Description: Semi-evergreen shrub, bushy, and upright with glossy foliage and golden yellow bell-shaped flowers late spring to fall. Heat-loving. Good in containers to accent entry or patio.
Firebush , Hamelia patens
Description: Shrub with clusters of scarlet red tubular blossoms with deeper red throats. Foliage turns a blood red color in the fall. Heat- and drought-tolerant.
Laura Bush Petunia , Petunia x ‘Laura Bush’
Description: Reseeding annual, that is more cold-tolerant, disease-resistant and heat-tolerant than modern hybrids. Does well in alkaline soils. Hybrid between VIP and old-fashioned petunia that was bred in Texas.
John Fanick Phlox , Phlox paniculata ‘John Fanick’
Description: Hardy perennial with showy clusters of light pink blossoms with darker pink throats. Heat- and drought-tolerant with dark green foliage and compact growth habit.
Victoria or Garden Phlox , Phlox paniculata ‘ Victoria’
Description: Hardy perennial with light-green foliage with showy clusters of magenta pink blossoms. Heat- and drought-tolerant.
Dwarf Mexican Petunia , Ruellia brittoniana
Description: Low-growing, heat-tolerant perennial with violet, light pink or white flowers. Blooms profusely. Good as a ground cover.
New Gold Lantana , Lantana x hybrida ‘New Gold’
Description: Low maintenance perennial with profusion of golden yellow flowers. Trailing habit. Very adaptable to our soil. The hotter it gets, the more it blooms.
Trailing Lantana , Lantana montevidensis
Description: Trailing or spreading perennial with profusion of lavender, purple or white flowers. Heat-and drought-tolerant. Blooms spring through frost.
Blue Princess Verbena , Verbena x hybrida ‘Blue Princess’
Description: Easy care perennial with masses of beautiful lavender blue flowers. Blooms from spring to fall. Heat- and drought-tolerant.
‘Texas Gold’ Columbine , Aquilegia chrysantha hinckleyana ‘ Texas Gold’
Description: Perennial with butter yellow blossoms highlighted by graceful cups and long dramatic spurs. Known as the “Queen of the shade-dappled garden.” Blossoms have a pleasing honeysuckle-like fragrance.
Mexican Bush Sage , Salvia leucantha
Description: Tough, drought-tolerant perennial with showy spikes of purple and white, or solid purple blossoms. Good for accent in beds or containers.
Belinda’s Dream Rose , Rosa x ‘Belinda’s Dream’
Description: Fast growing upright shrub with bluish-green foliage. Produces fragrant, pink, double and high-centered roses. Flowers abundantly.
‘Knock out’ Rose , Rosa x ‘Knock out’
Description: Hailed as a “breakthrough shrub rose” by All-American Rose Selections because of its exceptional disease resistance and hardiness. Red single flower. Blooms profusely. Low maintenance.
Marie Daly,Rosa x polyantha ‘Marie Daly’
Description: Easy care shrub rose, very fragrant double pink blooms. Good disease resistance and alkaline soil tolerance. Blooms from spring to frost.
Deciduous Holly , Ilex decidua
Description: Small native tree. Low maintenance, heat-and drought-tolerant. Drops its leaves in fall to show off red or orange berries.
Shantung Maple , Acer truncatum
Description: Small to medium tree with a spreading canopy and attractive foliage that turns red, to red-orange in fall.
Lacey Oak , Quercus glaucoides
Description: Small to medium tree with spreading canopy with bluish-green foliage. Very adaptable to alkaline soils, heat-, drought- and pest-tolerant. Good for smaller yards or specimen plant.
Chinkapin Oak , Quercus muehlenbergii
Description: Medium to large shade tree. Saw tooth leaves are rich green and turn yellow to bronze in the fall. Heat-tolerant, tolerant of poor soil conditions.
Chinese Pistache , Pistacia chinensis
Description: Medium size shade tree that is pest free and easily maintained. Medium to fine textured foliage with spectacular fall color in shades of orange, red-orange and crimson.
Look for the “Texas Superstar” tag and you will be purchasing plants that have been tested to thrive in the harsh conditions that our area is famous for dishing out.
This article is provided to you by BexarMet Water District, offering effective advice and strategies to increase your water use efficiency. Together, we can help preserve our most precious resource and enjoy an attractive landscape. Any comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to dkpfeil@bexarmet.org.
“To-Do’s” In the Landscape
By
Diane Pfeil, MS
Water Efficiency Coordinator
BexarMet Water District
Hopefully, the cold weather is behind us and spring is here. Watch for one of those late-season cold fronts to blow through and protect tender plantings. Mother Nature has been very kind to us and rain has been plentiful. Watch for the wildflowers to take center stage all over the state. Wildlflowers will be in full bloom for all to enjoy. Watch for bluebonnets, larkspurs, poppies and other wildflowers as they bloom. Remember they must be allowed to mature their seed if you want new plants next year.
Get out and enjoy this exciting time of the year when the buzz of activity is contagious. Dust off the patio furniture and enjoy the outdoors before the dog days of summer are upon us.
General
Water landscape and container plants only when needed, and not by a pre-set schedule or by the calendar.
Build a compost bin. Compost added to the soil improves drainage, adds nutrients, and increases the water holding capacity of the soil.
Inspect irrigation system. Flush the system. Look for leaks, broken or misaligned heads. Adjust sprinklers for head-to-head coverage. Examine the automatic irrigation timer. Review the schedule to see if it is appropriate for each area. Determine run times for each area according to the planting and set controller. Install a rain sensor. You may be eligible for a rebate.
Start hanging baskets of petunias and other annuals for another dimension in the garden and to add color. Hanging baskets, ornate planters, attractive pots and whimsical containers provide wonderfully creative ways to create instant color for your landscape. For versatile color include a number of container plants.
Dig and divide summer and fall blooming perennials before they put on their spring growth. Mix a few inches of compost into the soil and reset plants now for a great show in the fall.
Consider converting hard to water lawn areas (long strips on either side of the house) to permeable surfaces like decomposed granite, gravel, or a brick wall set in sand. Another alternative would be bold plantings such as Bird of Paradise and new gold lantana, or a ground cover for year-round color.
Use common sense to improve the health of your landscape. A few helpful hints can save you money and water. Take into consideration plant selections. Choose plants that are adapted to our soil and climate. The soil in Bexar County is predominantly alkaline. Choosing acid-loving plants such as azaleas may cause failures in the garden, along with headaches and frustration. Choose plants that are drought- and heat-tolerant, and naturally resistant to pests and diseases. This will save you water. Bexar County is in zone 8. Choose plants appropriate for this zone or they may not be able to withstand the summer heat in our area.
Knowing light requirements of a plant is also important in selecting plant material. Some plants require full sun while others are shade loving plants. “Full sun” means six or more hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water wisely. A good soaking followed by a little drying out is the best way to water. Frequent sprinkling promotes diseases and shallow roots.
Trees and Shrubs
Prune summer flowering shrubs early in March. Prune spring flowering shrubs and trees after they have finished flowering. Except where necessary, avoid excessive cutting. Keep natural shape of plant in mind. Proper pruning techniques can be found on our website at www.bexarmet.org.
Prune hedges and evergreen shrubs. Prune to shape them and promote a dense canopy of foliage. Keep the base of the shrub wider than the top or lower areas will be shaded out and drop their foliage.
Lawn
Tune up your mower. Replace plugs and check filters. Sharpen mower blades. Ragged grass blades can lead to diseased lawns. Healthy lawns are able to use water more efficiently.
Wait until April to fertilize the lawn. A good rule of thumb is when you have mowed the lawn twice, not just weeds. Roots are active and capable of utilizing the fertilizer more efficiently.
Prevent winter weeds from going to seed. Mow winter weeds in the lawn before they have time to set and mature seeds. Small patches of perennial weeds can be spot sprayed or hand dug to help prevent them from spreading.
Leave grass clippings in place on the lawn.
Have your soil tested to determine nutrient needs. A simple soil test kit is available at nurseries throughout the area. Follow the directions that come with the kit. Results should be available in four to six weeks. Remember that too much fertilizer is just as bad for your landscape as too little.
Landscaped Beds
Fertilize roses. They need regular feeding for continual blooming. Fertilize with a cup or two of complete fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting bed every 6 weeks from now until late summer. Some great natural products include cottonseed meal, blood meal, alfalfa meal, and fish fertilizer.
Clean up beds that still have last year’s growth. Trim back herbs and perennials that look shabby. This will allow them to bounce back full and lush.
Add organic matter or compost to your beds. This provides better aeration, water absorption and holding capacity and allows for better root-system development.
Add mulch to protect the tender roots of the plants from the summer heat. Mulch also reduces the spread of disease by reducing the splashing of water. It also moderates soil temperature and reduces evaporation from the soil.
This article is provided to you by BexarMet Water District, offering effective advice and strategies to increase your water use efficiency. Together, we can help preserve our most precious resource and enjoy an attractive landscape. Any comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to dkpfeil@bexarmet.org.
Weapons in the Home
By
SAPD Officer Willie Ng
When we talk about violence, we can't ignore weapons. Nine out of ten murders involve a weapon - eight of ten involve a firearm. Most robberies involve the use of a weapon, most frequently a handgun.
One in seven teens has reported carrying a weapon - like a bat, club, gun, or knife - at some time to protect himself. Weapons can make violence more deadly and less personal. A gun in the home increases the likelihood of homicide three times and the likelihood of suicide five times.
Reduce the Risk
Studies show that a firearm in the home is more than forty times as likely to hurt or kill a family member as to stop a crime.
If you do choose to own firearms - handguns, rifles, or shotguns - make sure they are safely stored. That means unloaded, trigger-locked, and in a locked gun case or pistol box, with ammunition separately locked. Store keys out of reach of children, away from weapons and ammunition. Check frequently to make sure this storage remains secure.
Obtain training from a certified instructor in firearms safety for everyone in the home. Make sure it's kept current.
Teach your children what to do if they find a firearm or something that might be a weapon - Stop, Don't Touch, Get Away, and Tell a Trusted Adult.
Take Action in Your Community
Be sure you know where and how to report potentially violent situations or concerns about conditions in the neighborhood that could lead to violence. Ask your police department for help in identifying what to report, when, to whom, and how.
Support schools and youth clubs in their efforts to keep guns, knives, and other weapons from menacing the everyday lives of children and teens. Encourage children to report any weapons they know about in or near school to staff or the police.
Look around to see what happens to young people after school hours. Are there supervised programs for younger children? Opportunities for teens and preteens to work with children, get or give help with homework, tackle neighborhood problems, or learn art, music, sports, or computer skills? In many areas, after-school programs are located in schools themselves and called Safe Havens or Beacon Schools.
Start a discussion of neighborhood views on weapons in the home, children playing with toy weapons, children and violent entertainment, and how arguments should be settled.
A PTA meeting, an informal social gathering, or a Neighborhood Watch meeting could provide the opportunity.
Learn your state and local laws on firearms. Insist that these laws be enforced vigorously but fairly. Support police, prosecutors, judges, and other local officials who enforce laws designed to prevent gun violence.
Stick with friends and family who steer clear of violence and drugs. And encourage your children to do the same. Research shows use of alcohol and other drugs is closely linked with violence, including the use of guns and other weapons.
If you have any questions or comments please contact me at wng@satx.rr.com
P/T
(PRESSURE-TREATED) LUMBER –Should
you be concerned?
Many of our residents are “sprucing up” their properties this season, which includes construction of fences and decks. The following excerpt was taken from a publication of Criterium-Flynn Engineers titled “Your Home,” (Volume 21, Number 1) and we felt it might be of interest to residents of our community.
“Blood poisoning. Cancer. Infection. These have all been linked to pressure-treated (P/T) lumber in recent years. How real are these risks, and what, if anything, should you do about them?“P/T lumber as been used for many years to resist rot, decay and insect infestation. It has become common in the construction of porches, decks and areas where wood is likely to come in contact with moisture or earth, such as sill plates on foundations. P/T lumber typically has a greenish tint. In addition, you should be able to find a stamp on the material that identifies it as pressure-treated and/or rot- and insect-resistant. P/T lumber is sold under many different brand names.
“Although P/T lumber does its job well, in recent years, it has come under increasing attack by environmental and safety-conscious consumer groups for its alleged risks. How significant this is for you, as a homeowner, is still unclear. So far, no one has been willing to say just how much of a risk P/T lumber represents. However, apparently it is enough to cause a major change in the industry.
“More specifically, the wood preservative industry has entered into a voluntary agreement with the EPA to stop producing pressure-treated wood products treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate) for the residential building market and consumer-related products by December 2003. This is not expected to affect industrial and commercial products or those used in saltwater marine applications.
“What is CCA? CCA is a chemical compound that works to preserve wood. It is made up of copper, chromium and arsenic. The copper is the major preservative protecting against fungi and insects. The arsenic is a second line of defense, and the chromium acts to fix the treatment, so it doesn’t easily leach out of the wood. CCA is ontroversial. Arsenic, however, is a known carcinogen. Many believe that it is a health threat for those who touch it. However, in negotiating with the timber industry, the nvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) stopped short of calling it dangerous. Instead, they said that any reduction in the amount of arsenic in the environment is desirable. We are not aware of any credible studies that quantify the actual safety risk.
“EPA has also said, in a somewhat contradictory statement, that there is no reason to remove or replace CCA-treated structures. On the one hand, CCA-treated lumber is dangerous enough to be phased out of use, while on the other hand, there is no need to remove or replace existing structures!?!“Instead of recommending removal, EPA says that applying an oil-based, semitransparent stain once a year may reduce the levels of arsenic on the surface and, thus, reduce the risk. In addition, children playing on CCA-treated wood should wash their hands before eating and never place food directly onhe wood. Children should also avoid getting splinters from the wood. Ever try telling your child not to get a splinter?! If you remove CCA-treated wood, use gloves and handle it as construction debris. Do not burn it.
“So what should you do? The older the structure and the more it has been exposed to weather, the less likely it is a significant hazard. How it is used (i.e. frequent and/or prolonged contact with bare skin) will help determine the degree of risk.
“It is for you to judge, ultimately. In most cases, however, the risk seems manageable, and the guidelines noted above are adequate for most situations. In high traffic areas, especially where children are present, replacement or, at a minimum, regular treatment with a sealant or stain is recommended.”
For more information, you may want to visit the Criterium-Flynn Engineers website at www.criterium-engineers.com.