Consumer Safety Information Sheet

 For additional information, call toll-free at 1-800-282-0600 or see our website at www.ccasafetyinfo.com.

 INORGANIC ARSENICAL PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD (including CCA, ACA, and ACZA)

CONSUMER INFORMATION

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

Inorganic arsenic penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure-treated wood for a long time.  However, some chemical may migrate from treated wood into surrounding soil over time and may also be dislodged from the wood surface upon contact with skin.  Exposure to inorganic arsenic 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.

USE SITE PRECAUTIONS

All sawdust and construction debris should be 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 use of mulch from recycled arsenic-treated wood, cutting boards, counter tops, animal bedding, and structures or containers for storing animal feed or human food.

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 honey.

Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection.  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, sanding and machining treated wood, wear a dust mask.  Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations or airborne sawdust from treated wood.

When power-sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles.

Wear gloves when working with the wood.  After working with the wood, and before eating, drinking, toileting, and use of tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly.

Because preservatives or sawdust may accumulate on clothes, they should be laundered before reuse.  Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing. 

Building Tips

1)  Use galvanized or stainless fasteners for all outdoor building projects. These types of nails and fasteners are corrosion-resistant and will prevent rust stains on your project.

2)  Nail boards bark side up to reduce cupping. Always nail thin boards to thicker boards to maintain structural integrity. Drill pilot holes before nailing to eliminate splitting. Butt decking boards together firmly. As drying occurs some shrinkage can be expected.

3)  Any exposed wood, pressure treated or not, should be protected from the weather. Application of a water repellent or semi-transparent stain will help to minimize warping, checking, or splitting. A clear water repellent can be applied immediately to new pressure treated wood following construction of decks or other outdoor projects.

A semi-transparent stain should be applied to new pressure treated wood as soon as the wood is surface dry. The dryness of the wood surface can be tested by sprinkling a few drops of water on the wood surface. If the water is rapidly absorbed by the wood, apply a semi-transparent stain immediately. If the water is not readily absorbed by the wood wait a few days and then test again before applying stain.

Similar recommendations are generally applicable for other quality water repellents and semi-transparent stains. However, instructions listed on the label directions of other wood protection products may require different application procedures.

© Copyright 2004 Coastal Treated Products Company