Service life environmental attack effects

All of the commercial wood preservatives presently used in the United States are effective in preventing attack by microorganisms because of their toxic nature. Most of these preservatives are classified as broad spectrum preservatives, that is, effective against several different types of living systems. Because of the toxic hazards and environmental concerns and because prevention of wood decay is needed if we are to extend our timber resources by increasing its service life, we have investigated alternative methods of wood preservation not based on toxicity for their effectiveness. 

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