The wood tie is the backbone of the North American Railway System. Wood ties make up more than 95% of the ties in North American track and with good reason.
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What wood is railroad ties?
Many railroads purchase oak and mixed hardwood ties and some buy ties made of softwoods such as south- ern pine, red pine or Douglas-fir as well.
What were railroad ties treated with?
Railroad ties are treated with an oil-based preservative (creosote). As opposed to water, which evaporates, oil doesn’t dry. This can result in the creosote migrating out of the wood timber, especially if it’s a large, vertical piece. A prime example of this is telephone poles.
Why do railroads still use wood ties?
Wood has the natural flexibility that is perfectly suited for the loads running on railroad tracks every day. Wood ties are engineered to perform under heavy load conditions. The durability of the wood tie means lower costs for railroads.
How toxic are old railroad ties?
The wood is preserved by soaking it in creosote, which is composed of over 300 chemicals, many of them toxic and persistent in soil. Exposure to creosote has been shown to cause cancer. Even topical contact with creosote can be dangerous.
Are railroad ties toxic to humans?
Long-term exposure to creosote-treated railroad ties may also cause cancer. Creosote-related cancers may include skin cancer or cancer of the scrotum. Exposure to the chemical may also damage the respiratory tract, kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
Is creosote toxic to humans?
These reports indicate that brief exposure to large amounts of coal tar creosote may result in a rash or severe irritation of the skin, chemical burns of the surfaces of the eye, convulsions and mental confusion, kidney or liver problems, unconsciousness, or even death.
How many years do railroad ties last?
30 years
What are treated railroad ties? Treated railroad ties, crossties or wooden sleepers are made primarily from wood and then treated with a preservative so they can last 30 years or more. They’re also great for the environment.
Are railroad ties still treated with creosote?
The railroad industry has more than a century of experience using creosote treated railroad ties. The vast majority of ties currently purchased are creosote and creosote/borate treated wood. Experience and testing continue to support the use of creosote preservation for wood ties.
Can old railroad ties be burned?
If you have old railroad ties on your property that you want to get rid of, you should never burn them. Burning can release toxins in the air, which can be dangerous to respiratory health. You should also avoid inhaling sawdust from creosote treated wood.
How far does creosote leach into soil?
6-8 inches is ideal. This should minimize any leaching directly into the planting bed and the root zone of the plants but unfortunately won’t stop leaching into the surrounding soil. There is also a lot of variability in the amount of creosote that will leach.
How can you tell if wood is creosote?
In fact, wood that has been treated with creosote can give off toxic fumes for decades. The pungent odor of creosote, often described as similar to mothballs, is usually the first clue that these vapors are present in a home or workplace.
Why do railroad ties smell funny?
Jeff Degraff, spokesman for Union Pacific confirms confirms that what they’re smelling is creosote. Material used to strenthen the wooden railroad ties.
Is creosote cancerous?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that coal tar is carcinogenic to humans and that creosote is probably carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has determined that coal tar creosote is a probable human carcinogen.
Can you use railroad ties in your home?
Ties are being used indoors, as well – from reclaimed wood flooring to artsy fireplace mantels. Genuine railroad ties have had their share of PR problems, however, and you may wish to consider purchasing an alternative timber product instead of a used tie.
Are railroad ties safe to use in a garden?
Gases released from creosote are also harmful in a closed space, so railroad ties should not be used in a greenhouse or indoors. Many other materials can be used for constructing a raised bed, so there is no reason to give up the idea.
Is creosote banned in the US?
Creosote, derived from coal tar, is widely used on utility poles, railroad ties and marine bulkheads. It is considered carcinogenic in high quantities, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The ban on the sale, manufacture or use of creosote would begin on Jan. 1, 2005.
Can smelling creosote make you sick?
Experts say they are. Breathing the creosote fumes given off by creosote-treated wood can cause asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as stomach pain and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, according to researchers from the UCLA Labor Occupational Safety & Health Program.
What wood causes the most creosote?
Softwoods like fir, pine and cedar make more smoke, and therefore more creosote.
Will railroad ties rot in the ground?
Railroad ties have to routinely be replaced because of the decay that happens in the center of the ties. These ties often get re-sold as landscaping timbers where the decay and damage from wood destroying insects can continue until there is virtually nothing left except the exterior shell of the timbers.
Why is it called a railroad tie?
A heavy, preserved piece of hewn timber laid crossways to and supporting the rails of a railroad.