![]() ![]() “The other concern is what’s actually been on that pallet,” Miller explains. Look for the treatment codes next to the IPPC symbol. Avoid unmarked pallets or those stamped with an “MB” for methyl bromide. Pallets marked with an “HT” were heat-treated and did not come into contact with chemicals during the treating process. Look for the IPPC stamp on the side of the wood to determine how it was treated. The use of methyl bromide has been significantly restricted in recent years due to these health concerns, but Miller points out that it’s difficult to tell how old a pallet is or how long it has been in use. When sourcing used pallets, look for wood bearing the IPPC seal and an “HT” stamp, designating it was heat-treated rather than sealed with toxic pesticides. Pallets are either heat-treated (heated to a high temperature in kilns to seal the wood) or treated with methyl bromide - a toxic pesticide that has been linked to human health problems and ozone layer depletion. To prevent the spread of invasive pests and pathogens, the USDA requires manufacturers to treat pallets and other wood packaging before it can enter or transit the United States. So, before reusing a pallet at home, read on for some questions to consider to protect your health. We know, it’s a bit of a downer to suggest that all pallet reuse is a bad idea. ![]() They really don’t think about what it’s been treated with, where it’s been, or if it’s really safe to use.” “I think a lot of people see these cool ideas on the internet and on Pinterest, and they go for it. “You have to consider where came from, what’s been shipped on it, and what you’re going to use it for,” explains Candice Miller, a horticulture educator and expert from the University of Illinois Extension. ![]() How can you go wrong? We’ve even featured a beginner’s guide for upcycling pallets into attractive home décor.īut it turns out that pallet wood can often be contaminated with toxic chemicals, harmful bacteria, and other icky bad stuff you certainly don’t want in your home or around your family. On the surface, the ubiquitous pallet seems ideal for reuse projects: It’s wood, it’s free, and by reusing it, you keep it out of the waste stream. ![]()
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