|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This seems like borer infestation. Borers or wood-boring beetles lay eggs in the crevices of exposed wood. When these eggs hatch, the larvae bore or tunnel into the wood, feeding on it and destroying it. Unlike the adults with a short life, larvae live from anywhere between a few months to several years before turning into pupae. The adult leaves an exit hole.
Frass, the powder that larvae produce, ndicates borer infestation. Seek the advice of an entomologist or a pest control expert to determine whether the wood can be treated at this stage. Treating borer infestation is a laborious process. Unless the pesticide is able to destroy the larvae deep inside the wood, it is of no use. Ditto if it has weakened the wood. Depending on the problem, ask the retailer or the manufacturer (or both) to refund the cost of wood as well as the cost of converting it into a book case, besides compensation for harassment. If the response is negative, you must file a complaint before the consumer court. Under the Consumer Protection Act, the retailer is guilty of selling a defective product. If he claimed it to be borer free, he is guilty of unfair trade practice false claims.
Have consumer courts heard such cases? The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission upheld the decision of lower consumer courts on a petition on borer infestation. In 2005, four consumers had bought block board for wardrobes and furniture. Two years on they found the wood infested with borers. While the District Consumer Forum awarded refund of the cost of the wood along with 9 per cent interest, the State Commission awarded an additional compensation of Rs 5,000 and costs of Rs 2,000. This was upheld by the National Commission (Tata Coffee Ltd vs Sri N.Sreenivasalu, decided on 7.3-2014). In Dr Jaswant Singh D.Patel vs the Managing Director, Kitply Industries, Calcutta, the Maharashtra State Commission directed the manufacturer to refund the cost of plywood and pay labour charges of Rs 40,000 incurred. The doctor had bought plywood worth Rs 1.5 lakh on the basis of the manufacturer's claim that it was free of termites and borers and installed it in his new diagnostic centre. After installation, he noticed white powder falling from the wood. Despite his complaint, he got no replacement or refund. It was held the manufacturer had made a false claim and sold a defective product. The court gave Rs 1,000 as costs.
|
||
|
|
||
I bought wood for three book cases in my study. Now there is fine, white dust in them. What do I do? I have spent a
lot.