Sci Total Environ. 2008 Aug 25;402(1):106-12. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.035.
The creosote content of used railway crossties as compared with European stipulations for hazardous waste.
Thierfelder T, Sandström E.
This paper suggests that destroying the crossties via, for example, combustion, is what produces toxic waste. So, re-use is preferable!
The amount of creosote and related materials leaching out of old railway sleepers will be minimal in normal "domestic" usage, such as around a vegetable bed. The primary routes of human exposure to creosote in use are dermal and inhalation. I know that Morgan owners are a breed apart, but probably none of us rub ourselves repeatedly on old railway sleepers, or indeed sniff them. Thus re-use ticks all the boxes for me.
And yes, since you ask, work is rather slow today.....
Here in the US the Railroads quit using cabooses about 30 years ago, and the ones that are left around are selling for a fair price considering you get a pre-built permanent structure that weights about 15 tons. I am now looking for property on a lake for my extended copula caboose cabin.
Charlie, Former Editor Morgan Owners Group - Great Lakes
The amount of creosote and related materials leaching out of old railway sleepers will be minimal in normal "domestic" usage, such as around a vegetable bed. The primary routes of human exposure to creosote in use are dermal and inhalation. I know that Morgan owners are a breed apart, but probably none of us rub ourselves repeatedly on old railway sleepers, or indeed sniff them. Thus re-use ticks all the boxes for me.
I don't think creosote can be that bad for you, I can still buy it in 25litre barrels from my local farm supplies place. There really isn't anything better for preserving wood.
It's supposedly carcinogenic, apparently based on a study involving weeks of constant contact with unprotected skin in rats, but I can't see that having a few railway sleepers about the place is going to cause an issue.
Tim H. 1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
I spent and "interesting" few months working for Coalite Chemicals near Bolsover in the late 80s. That place produced most of the creasote sold in the UK. I'm also a chemist with a specialist interest in envronmental pollution and the analysis of soil and water for environmental pollutants.
Creasote works because it contains a cocktail of phenolic and chlorinate phenolic molecules. They are mildly toxic, TCP antiseptic is a purified chlorinated phenolic.
BUT if burnt, especially at low temperature on an open fire the products of combustion are highly toxic and can contain dioxins. We can debate the real toxicity of dioxins for years, but the subject is so mired in mis-information that reasoned debate is almost impossible. Lets just agree they are "not a good thing"...
We live in a world where more and more chemicals are on the "hazardous" list because there is a view in Brussels that the Citizens must be protected from or made aware of every possible risk.
So, old, aged railway sleepers are essentially harmless, but:
1. If you cut or drill them wear gloves and a face mask, the dust isn't nice and you don't want it in your lungs. 2. Don't, ever, burn them or off-cuts. 3. Don't let water run off them directly into your fish pond, the fish won't like it and might die. 4. Don't eat the wood, Oh, and finally, 5. Don't drop them on your foot, they are very heavy....
Peter, 66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...
Sci Total Environ. 2008 Aug 25;402(1):106-12. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.035.
The creosote content of used railway crossties as compared with European stipulations for hazardous waste.
Thierfelder T, Sandström E.
This paper suggests that destroying the crossties via, for example, combustion, is what produces toxic waste. So, re-use is preferable!
The amount of creosote and related materials leaching out of old railway sleepers will be minimal in normal "domestic" usage, such as around a vegetable bed. The primary routes of human exposure to creosote in use are dermal and inhalation. I know that Morgan owners are a breed apart, but probably none of us rub ourselves repeatedly on old railway sleepers, or indeed sniff them. Thus re-use ticks all the boxes for me.
And yes, since you ask, work is rather slow today.....
So, old, aged railway sleepers are essentially harmless, but:
1. If you cut or drill them wear gloves and a face mask, the dust isn't nice and you don't want it in your lungs. 2. Don't, ever, burn them or off-cuts. 3. Don't let water run off them directly into your fish pond, the fish won't like it and might die. 4. Don't eat the wood, Oh, and finally, 5. Don't drop them on your foot, they are very heavy....
1) Gloves, YES. Face mask, NO. These have been off the railways for 25 years already so well matured. A git to cut though!! 2) Obviously - the off cuts do make good axle stands though! 3) Don't have one! 4) Damn - creosote sandwiches and a pint of brake fluid is my favourite lunch!! 5) Shifting them on your own requires a lift and jerk - and then tip lengthways. I managed to drop one on my rubber mallet - it is now an ex-mallet!!!
Here is some of them in place:
Last edited by dodgyken; 24/08/1508:12 AM.
2010 Aero Supersport | 2017 VW Multivan | 1996 BMW M3 Evo
