All,
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with, or good understanding of, the risks associated with chemicals that pallets have been treated with.

I like the idea of retrieving discarded pallets and using them for various projects, but after reading these:
Pallet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pallet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chemical in Wood Pallets Blamed for Latest Tylenol Recall

I am increasingly reluctant as there appear to be chemical inhalation risks associated with machining (over and above general dust inhalation risk), and potential long-term low-exposure risks risks with some of the chemicals used to treat pallets.

Do we have any system of markings in Australia that can be used to check a pallet and have confidence with respect to the chemicals that have been used to treat it?

A related consideration is in regards to chemical penetration i.e. how far do treatment chemicals penetrate timber and would this information allow us to say if e.g. 5mm was taken off a pallet board all around, the chemical soaked material would be removed ? (Notwithstanding that 'removed' = turned into inhalation dust).

Would appreciate your collected thoughts and wisdom.

Cheers,
-T.