Is There an Obnoxious Chemical Smell Pervading Your Home or Workplace in Norfolk, VA? You May Be Dealing with Creosote-Treated Lumber

In coastal areas like Norfolk, Virginia, creosote-treated lumber is commonly found in dock pilings, utility poles, and even the supports that are often used to raise the elevation of homes and other structures built in a floodplain. Creosote is a chemical mixture that has been used as a wood preservative throughout the United States. Unfortunately, when creosote-treated lumber is used in the construction of a building that’s occupied by humans, there’s the potential for adverse effects because the treated wood can give off emissions for decades.

Many people discover the presence of creosote-treated lumber in their homes or workplaces when they notice a pervasive chemical odor, which has often been described as similar to that of mothballs. Although the smell can often be strong enough to drive people out of their homes, it’s less of a worry than the potential health effects of being exposed to creosote emissions. The vapors that rise from lumber that’s been treated with creosote have been linked to respiratory illnesses, skin rashes, and even eye damage. Government agencies also list creosote emissions as a probable human carcinogen.

How to Eliminate Creosote Odors & Reduce the Harmful Emissions

In the past, the only solution available to property owners who discovered creosote-treated timbers in their homes or businesses was to painstakingly scrape and sand the wood and then repaint it. Even after many hours of labor, however, the odors and emissions would often continue.

EnviroShield has a better solution: CreoShield™. This innovative coating, available exclusively from EnviroShield, effectively eliminates the odor of creosote and dramatically reduces the emissions to levels that are safe for human exposure. It’s also easy to apply, requiring only a power washing before application.

If you’ve discovered creosote-treated lumber in your Norfolk home or workplace, contact EnviroShield today to learn more about this effective and innovative solution.