are there any health risks to having a room in the house and a garage panaled with cedar?
Answers:
Here's what I know, and how I know it:
Although I don't know exactly WHAT type(s) of chemicals are used in the treatment of telephone poles, I DO know that they are extremely powerful and are intended to help the wood resist just about EVERYTHING: harsh weather, birds (like woodpeckers), bugs.... I know that poles can be made from any number of different hardwoods, and that each type of wood (from each part of the country) can be treated with whatever type(s) of checmicals are effective for making that particular woodgrain impermiable.
The thing to consider is this: the chemicals used in the pole are significantly stronger than anything used on the type of cedar a consumer could purchase for an outdoor swingset or patio area. If the pole wood were to catch on fire (if it even can... it might smolder... which can be worse), you might run the risk of your home filling with toxic fumes. I DON'T know if you run any risks of repeated skin contact with the wood in its present state... or if you run any risks of any fumes being emitted from the wood in its current state. {I'll ask my husband tonight and post an edit if he has any additional input regarding THAT}.
I had considered hauling away a damaged telephone pole from my husband's work site (he works for a major, well-known telephone company and has been trained on ALL things related to telephone service... including how poles are made, etc.). When I told him I wanted to use the wood for interior application in OUR home, he was very much against it.
One thing you might want to consider: call your local fire house and ask them if there are any risks related to this type of wood. They might know... at least regarding its burn risks anyway.
My personal opinion: you and your family save up your money and replace/remove that stuff as soon as you possibly can.
Good luck.
Other answers:
With the Cedar being aged there is No danger in using it.
With the Cedar being aged there is No danger in using it.
your only concern with the cedar is if you have pet birds- for some reason they can not tolerate any cedar in their environment.
if u never get a bird, u never have to worry
susan