Arsenic can leach to the surface of the treated wood , becoming accessible for absorption through exposed hands and skin touching the wood surface and, especially in the case of children, ingestion through normal hand-to-mouth behavior.
Can you get sick from pressure treated wood?
In addition, people who work with treated wood, such as construction workers and carpenters, can be exposed to high levels of CCA . Exposure to chromated copper arsenate can lead to arsenic poisoning and, in cases of extremely high exposure, death.
Does treated wood have arsenic in it?
Most pressure-treated lumber sold before January 2004 was treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA for short), which contains arsenic . Swallowing arsenic is known to cause cancer in humans. ... The arsenic was used as a pesticide to keep the wood from being consumed by termites and other wood-eating organisms.
How long does arsenic last in treated wood?
More than 90 percent of all outdoor wooden structures in the United States are made with arsenic-treated lumber. Using wipe tests from 263 decks, playsets, picnic tables and sandboxes in 45 states, researchers found that arsenic levels on wood surfaces remain high for 20 years — the entire useful life of the wood.
Is treated wood toxic?
Pressure-treated wood should not be burned under any circumstances. The fumes can be toxic and the ash is very toxic. Do not use pressure-treated wood for making cutting boards, or for any food preparation surface.
When did they stop using arsenic in pressure treated wood in Canada?
Canadian lumber companies say they will follow their American counterparts and stop using wood treated with a compound containing arsenic by the end of 2003 . Pressure-treated wood is made with cooper chromated arsenate, or CCA, and is used to build things like fences, decks and playground equipment.
How do I know if my wood is treated with arsenic?
Look for a stamp somewhere on the wood . A stamp that reads “L P22” indicates wood treated with arsenic, which is the least safe variety. This type of wood can withstand direct contact with the earth— think of a structural support or fence post.
What is the life expectancy of pressure treated wood?
How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Can you burn 20 year old treated wood?
WILSON: Burning it is always a problem. Homeowners should never burn any type of pressure- treated wood or preservative-treated wood under any circumstances . The chemicals that are in the most common pressure-treated wood are heavy metals: chromium, copper, and arsenic. Those 3 chemicals may become airborne.
Can you burn old weathered pressure treated wood?
It may look the same as traditional wood — giving you a false of sense of security — but pressure-treated wood is not safe to burn . When burned, pressure-treated wood releases a cocktail of harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, some of which will inevitably end up in your lungs.
Why can’t you use pressure treated wood inside?
Due to the types of chemicals in pressure treated wood, it is highly flammable . Depending upon the use indoors, that factor could present a danger. If there was a small fire that started indoor, it could easily erupt into an out of control blaze when fire reaches any pressure treated wood inside the home.
Is treated wood toxic to dogs?
Fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, cocoa mulch and chemicals in pressure treated wood are all potentially toxic to cats and dogs .
Is it safe to grow vegetables in pressure treated wood?
Yes! Pressure-treated wood is safe for vegetable garden beds but with some precautions. The crops should be grown 10 inches away from CCA treated woods to prevent leaching of the chemicals into the plants. Heavy impermeable plastics can also be used to act as a barrier between the crops and the wood.
Does pressure-treated wood leach into soil?
Even though the new pressure-treated woods are considered safe , Wolmanized Outdoor, according to its Web site, does not recommend using pressure-treated wood where the preservatives may become a component of food. Its recommendation is to use an impervious liner between the wood and the soil.
Does pressure-treated wood need to be sealed?
Decks made of pressure-treated wood should be sealed annually . ... However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so.
Can you put pressure-treated lumber in the ground?
Ground-contact pressure-treated lumber can be used either above ground or in contact with the ground . ... Must be used when lumber is less than 6 inches from the ground or has poor ventilation. Must be used for applications where wood is difficult to maintain or replace.
