I first wrote this column in 2017 but with the continuing popularity of repurposing and the widespread use of pallet wood, I thought we should revisit the topic.
Thinking of using pallet wood for your next DYI project? It’s sturdy, it’s versatile and with over 2 billion pallets cast aside in the U.S. on any given day, it is certainly obtainable. Add to that the seemingly endless number unique items you can make for your home and garden and it seems like the perfect material for the do-it-yourselfer.
But, before you jump in the truck and head out to the nearest warehouse to haul a load home, there are a few things you should know about handling this seemingly “perfect” project wood.
There are the obvious reasons to avoid a pallet; odors, excessive weight, stains where something has been spilled or too many twisted or rusted nails. Beyond that, there are some major safety issues that may require closer examination.
The first is the process used to treat the wood to fumigate it from insects. The wood will be marked either HT or MB. Heat treating (HT), is a process by which the wood is heated for 30 minutes to a minimum core temperature of 132.8 °F /56° C. Wood marked MB has been chemically treated using and methyl bromide. The use of methyl bromide was banned in 2005 by The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), which is a division of the Food and Drug Administration. However, there is still pallet wood out there that has been treated in this manner
If inhaled methyl bromide may case abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting or loss of speech or coordination. If exposed to the skin, redness and blistering may occur. Always check for the markings determining the process used and DO NOT use wood marked MB.
Bacteria is another issue that must be dealt with. Always scrub each piece of wood with warm soapy water and bleach, rise, repeat and then allow to dry for at least 24 hours.
Some bacteria can become embedded in pallet wood. As a precautionary measure, never use the wood for anything food related like a picnic table or kitchen island. Raised herb and vegetable gardens are growing in popularity, but again be careful using pallet wood. Soil can soak up chemicals leaching from the wood causing a possible health hazard to your family. Never use pallet wood to build forts, playground equipment, furniture, sandboxes and other items for children as even projects that have been painted can still be dangerous. It is common for people to use whatever scrap wood is available for fire pits and bonfires. Under no circumstances should you burn pallet wood in your outdoor fires or in your fireplace.
The country of origin of a pallet is a major safety factor as different countries use different procedures for making them suitable for international shipping. Most experts agree that the safest pallets are from Canada where all wood is heat treated, avoiding the possibility of exposure to methyl bromide. It is possible to order safe pallets online. The most cost effective site I found was Uline.com.
With the current rising cost of lumber it is very tempting to take advantage of any “free” wood that is available, but the ramifications of using contaminated wood make it a dangerous choice. For your safety and the safety of your family carefully examine the wood you are considering using for your projects. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
