Silver News

U.S. Senators Introduce Legislation to Study Silver-Based Biocides as a Viable Alternative to Arsenic - Based Preservatives
February 25, 2003

(Washington, D.C. - February 25, 2003) - Three leading U.S. Senators introduced S. 432, legislation to authorize both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and support research into alternative preservation treatments for wood using silver-based biocides. Senator Larry Craig (R-ID), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senator John Ensign (R-NV) introduced the bill.

Congressmen Jim Gibbons (R-NV) and Butch Otter (R-ID) introduced H.R. 688 on February 11, which if enacted would accomplish the same goal.

Wood used in play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways/boardwalks are affected by the Environmental Protection Agency's plan to phase out the use of arsenic-based wood preservatives in pressure-treated wood by December 31, 2003. This conversion affects virtually all residential uses of wood treated with chromated copper arsenate, a common pressure-treated wood preservative.

"We now have bi-cameral legislation that will explore the use of silver as an effective wood preservation agent. Silver is known as the "healthful" metal, and we are encouraged that both chambers of Congress recognize the growing importance of silver's use as a biocide," said Paul Bateman, Executive Director of the Silver Institute.

If silver-based biocides were used as an alternative to arsenic-based preservatives, potentially over 100 million ounces of silver a year would be consumed in this application alone, adding significantly to overall worldwide fabrication demand.

The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association. Established in 1971, the Institute serves as the industry's voice in increasing public understanding of the value and many uses of silver.

For Further Information Contact:

Mike DiRienzo
The Silver Institute
1200 G Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 835-0185
Fax: (202) 835-0155