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Is Pressure Treated Wood Safe?
By Steve Maxwell
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Arsenic isn’t an element that enjoys a good public relations image. Nobody wants the stuff anywhere near themselves, yet many people tolerate its presence because of what it does for us in the world of building. Arsenic is one of the active components in a substance called chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a green-coloured liquid that’s been used since 1938 to pressure-treat lumber used for decks, outdoor play structures, permanent wood foundations, and wooden garden furniture. CCA has enjoyed such long commercial success because it really works. Samples of wood treated with the stuff have remained buried for more than 60 years and still show no signs of deterioration. The effectiveness of CCA has never been in question, but its safety has. That’s why between now and the end of 2003, you’ll be hearing a lot more about arsenic and CCA. Wood treated with this substance is being pulled off retail shelves, replaced by lumber treated with other chemicals believed to be safer and just as effective. Is CCA-treated lumber good or bad? Is it okay to live with existing structures made with traditional pressure-treated wood? Do CCA substitutes really work?
Both the US and Canadian lumber industries have voluntarily moved to halt consumer sales of all wood treated with CCA by Dec. 31, 2003. US legislation actually outlaws CCA consumer sales of this product after January 2004. CCA lumber will remain available for limited commercial purposes, but that isn’t likely to affect availability for people building in the residential market.
All this sounds serious, the kind of thing you’d do to deal with a dangerous health risk. But when you look further, the issue becomes less clear. Although CCA is being dropped like a hot potato, the official position of regulatory agencies on both sides of the border remains the same as always. Is this stuff dangerous? Apparently not. This is the opinion of independent government health watchdogs that don't stand to benefit whether you build with CCA, cedar, plastic lumber or nothing at all. Authorities even go one step further with public statements encouraging people to keep CCA structures standing, and to leave surrounding soil in place. Since this entire issue is related to the leaching of arsenic out of wood and into the surrounding soil, regulatory bodies do suggest that coating pressure-treated wood regularly may reduce that migration. You can do this if you want, but apparently it’s not necessary.
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Is Pressure Treated Wood Safe?
By Steve Maxwell
|
|
|
Arsenic isn’t an element that enjoys a good public relations image. Nobody wants the stuff anywhere near themselves, yet many people tolerate its presence because of what it does for us in the world of building. Arsenic is one of the active components in a substance called chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a green-coloured liquid that’s been used since 1938 to pressure-treat lumber used for decks, outdoor play structures, permanent wood foundations, and wooden garden furniture. CCA has enjoyed such long commercial success because it really works. Samples of wood treated with the stuff have remained buried for more than 60 years and still show no signs of deterioration. The effectiveness of CCA has never been in question, but its safety has. That’s why between now and the end of 2003, you’ll be hearing a lot more about arsenic and CCA. Wood treated with this substance is being pulled off retail shelves, replaced by lumber treated with other chemicals believed to be safer and just as effective. Is CCA-treated lumber good or bad? Is it okay to live with existing structures made with traditional pressure-treated wood? Do CCA substitutes really work?
Both the US and Canadian lumber industries have voluntarily moved to halt consumer sales of all wood treated with CCA by Dec. 31, 2003. US legislation actually outlaws CCA consumer sales of this product after January 2004. CCA lumber will remain available for limited commercial purposes, but that isn’t likely to affect availability for people building in the residential market.
All this sounds serious, the kind of thing you’d do to deal with a dangerous health risk. But when you look further, the issue becomes less clear. Although CCA is being dropped like a hot potato, the official position of regulatory agencies on both sides of the border remains the same as always. Is this stuff dangerous? Apparently not. This is the opinion of independent government health watchdogs that don't stand to benefit whether you build with CCA, cedar, plastic lumber or nothing at all. Authorities even go one step further with public statements encouraging people to keep CCA structures standing, and to leave surrounding soil in place. Since this entire issue is related to the leaching of arsenic out of wood and into the surrounding soil, regulatory bodies do suggest that coating pressure-treated wood regularly may reduce that migration. You can do this if you want, but apparently it’s not necessary. |
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