with the decision that five major California utility companies will be required to warn the public that more than four million wooden utility poles across the state have been deemed toxic.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says it needs to dismantle nearly 2,400 electrical poles and plans to reuse the wood, even though it's been treated with a toxic substance recently banned by Ottawa.

A dogwalker has told how a 'hideous' telegraph pole outside her bungalow is leaking toxic bitumen all over her driveway - which gets on her Labrador's paws. Elaine Brown, of Ivybridge, Devon ...