Treated Wood Products

Wood treatments can be classified into two major categories: oil-based treatments and water-based.

• Creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are two oil-based treatments that are commonly used to treat railroad ties and utility poles. Because of the toxicity of these chemicals, lumber treated with creosote or PCP should not be used indoors, or for playgrounds, decks, picnic tables, or similar structures.
• Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and ammonium copper quat (ACQ) are the two most commonly used water-based treatments. CCA-treated wood is commonly used for playgrounds, decks and patios, fences, landscaping and in gardens. CCA contains arsenic, a chemical found to cause skin and lung cancer in people who are exposed over a long period of time. ACQ is a newer, less toxic product that has gained popularity in recent years.

The chemicals used to treat wood products are applied at high pressure, and most of the treatment remains effectively bound in the wood. However, recent studies show that rainwater can wash CCA out of the wood and carry it into surrounding soil. Additionally, a thin residue coating of CCA was found to exist on the wood's surface. This residue can easily be picked up on hands or food items resulting in exposure.

Children who play on CCA-treated playground equipment can be exposed to significant amounts of arsenic. To reduce the potential for this type of exposure, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that playground equipment be painted or sealed with an oil-based sealer every two year

Research on the use of CCA-treated lumber in gardens has shown that treatment chemicals do not affect the growth or safety of home-grown produce.

• Avoid using lumber treated with creosote or PCP in any home construction or landscaping project.
• Don’t use treated lumber for any indoor home construction project. Wood treatment chemicals are too toxic for interior uses.
• Seal decks that are constructed with treated lumber with an oil-based sealer every two years. This is consistent with the wood manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance of CCA-treated wood. Proper sealants will keep the wood from cracking and splintering while reducing the risk of exposure to CCA residues.
• Do not allow children to play under decks made with treated lumber. Ensure that children playing on or around structures made with treated lumber wash their hands before eating. Pets that regularly sleep or live under decks could be exposed to arsenic and may carry it into your home.
• Sawing or sanding treated wood is hazardous and requires special precautions. Perform the work outdoors on a drop cloth so the sawdust can be collected and discarded. Wear a dust mask if there is frequent or prolonged exposure to sawdust. Wash hands and clothing immediately after completing the work.
• Do not use treated wood for countertops, cutting boards, picnic tables, beehives, or for other applications where treatment chemicals may come into contact with food.
• Never burn treated wood. Burning releases toxic fumes into the air and has been associated with serious arsenic poisoning.

Taking steps such as those outlined above can reduce your family’s exposure to toxic wood preservatives. Ask your contractor or retail supplier for additional information about the specific materials you are using.