Pallets, is reusing them safe? Is reusing pallets in DIY projects safe? The pallets are recyclable, are made of wood and cost nothing. They therefore seem to be the ideal starting materials for your own creative recycling projects. However, it can happen that the pallets, as can happen for wooden furniture, have been treated with potentially toxic chemicals. Is reusing pallets in DIY projects safe? The pallets are recyclable, are made of wood and cost nothing. They therefore seem to be the ideal starting materials for your own creative recycling projects. However, it can happen that the pallets, as can happen for wooden furniture, have been treated with potentially toxic chemicals.
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Reuse i pallets in projects do-it-yourself it's safe? THE pallets are recyclable, they are made of wood and cost nothing if they are recovered and not purchased. They therefore seem to be the ideal starting materials for your own projects creative recycling. However, it can happen that the pallets, as can happen for wooden furniture, have been treated with potentially toxic chemicals.
As indicated by Candice Miller, among the experts from the University of Illinois, it is advisable to consider the origin of the pallet, the use that has been made of it and the future use for which you would like to recycle it. Pallets are among the favorite materials for creative recycling and, with a little more attention, they can continue to be so. Let us therefore consider the following questions before reusing a pallet.
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What substances was he treated with?
Beware of pallets from the USA. In the United States, in fact, theUSDA requires pallets to undergo a treatment specific against parasites and pathogens, prior to international shipments. Pallets can be treated with in heat, thanks to high temperatures, or by applying methyl bromide (methyl bromide), A toxic pesticide which has been linked to health risks and a depletion of the ozone layer. So pay attention to the abbreviations on the pallets: HT indicates heat treatment, MB reports the use of methyl bromide.
What were the previous uses?
The pallets may have been used for the transport of toxic substances or polluting materials. They may have been loaded on means of transport in which the hygienic conditions were at the limit of admissible. In some cases, as highlighted from the National Consumer League of the United States, the germs responsible for E.coli and Listeria may be present on the pallets.
Can the pallets be cleaned and disinfected?
You could try to disinfect and clean the pallets with soap and water, vinegar, or other cleaners, in the hopes of removing bacteria or other contaminants. According to what was contaminated by Miller ad Earth911.com, none of these remedies have been tested. Also, the wood is very porous and may have absorbed unwanted substances difficult to remove. Better to rely on pallets of certain origin, used, for example, to transport paper or textile products. The origin of the pallets must therefore be safe.
How will you use the pallets?
Uses in outdoor areas are the safest. Pallets can for example be used as racks for the bicycles. The expert recommended however, be careful in the use of pallets with which you plan to come into direct contact or for their use ingarden. In these cases you should be sure to use pallets not treated with toxic substances. To protect your health and to respect the environment, you shouldn't never burn pallets in your own fireplace.
How to get safe pallets?
If you want to recycle pallets in your DIY projects, you need to get pallets that are proven to be of safe origin. You can get in touch with the local companies that can assure you that the pallets have not been used for the shipment of chemicals or materials that could contaminate the wood. You could also go directly to the producers of pallets, which could give you some materials to be discarded because they are considered imperfect. Pallets are valuable materials for creative recycling, but they need to be reused with a little care and common sense.
Marta Albè
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