There has been some recent publicity about using treated wood for building projects. Most of the concern is related to people coming into direct contact with wood that has been treated or the impact that treated wood might have on the environment. Since you may have some questions because of this publicity, this may be a good time to share some additional information with you.

Manufacturers of chemicals used to treat wood products must provide Consumer Information Sheets (CIS). These sheets are similar to manufacturer's instructions on hundreds of other products in that they provide commonsense handling and use instructions about the chemical. These sheets should be available at local home centers or retail lumber stores which sell treated wood. The nation's wood-preserving industry distributes these sheets as part of a voluntary consumer awareness program. These sheets have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the wood-treating industry. A current CIS for chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA), ammoniacal- copper-zinc-arsenate (ACZA), and ammoniacal-copper-arsenate (ACA) treated products should contain certain information.

The wood has been preserved by pressure treatment with an EPA-registered pesticide containing inorganic arsenic to protect it from insects and decay. Wood treated with inorganic arsenic should be used only where such protection is important.

CCA, ACZA, and ACA penetrate deeply into and remain in the pressure-treated wood for a long time. Exposure to CCA, ACZA, and ACA may present certain hazards. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken, both when handling the treated wood and in determining where to use or dispose of the treated wood.

Wood which has been pressure treated with water-borne arsenical preservatives may be used inside residences as long as all sawdust and construction debris are cleaned up and disposed of after construction. Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of such sites would be structures or containers for storing silage or food. Do not use treated wood for cutting boards or countertops. Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks, and walkways.

Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives which may come into contact with the honey. Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection or burial. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers, because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes. Treated wood from commercial or industrial use (e.g., construction sites) may be burned only in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated wood. When sawing and machining treated wood, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of air-borne sawdust from treated wood. When power sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles. After working with the wood, and before using tobacco products, eating, or drinking, wash exposed areas thoroughly. If preservatives or sawdust accumulate on clothes, launder before re-use. Wash clothes separately from other household clothing.

Wood properly treated in accordance with standards of the American Wood Preservers' Association and used within the Consumer Information Sheet guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency poses a very low risk to people, plants, or pets. For more information on commonsense handling and use instructions for pressure-treated products, please give me a call at 671-3276.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 09/13/01