- What is CCA?
- Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), which contains inorganic arsenic, is the chemical compound most commonly employed to pressure treat lumber so that it can withstand termites and decay. Wood preserved with CCA is commonly used in outdoor structures, such as decks, docks, fences, and playsets. CCA preserved wood has been used effectively for almost 70 years. It has a safe track record when used properly and according to industry guidelines. (source: www.preservedwood.com/news/)
- Why is CAA of interest to ACCT members?
- CCA-treated lumber has received much "air time" in the press with the result of much confusion regarding its safety, appropriateness for challenge course usage, and use/treatment alternatives in the future. CCA is the most widely used treatment for challenge course poles and lumber. Also, since many of us handle and work with CCA on a daily basis, its safety is of personal interest. In an attempt to help the general public understand the issues, we provide the following. It is important to stress that no ACCT Professional Vendor or Board Member is a chemist or has performed extensive scientific research on the issue. The following information has been gathered from numerous sources including, but not limited to, the Oregon State University Department of Forest Products, The Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Wood Preservers Institute.
- What is the new policy that’s been in the news?
- The manufacturers of CCA have voluntarily agreed to phase out the use of CCA for certain applications by December 2003. CCA continues to be allowed for use with utility poles, lumber, playgrounds, and other structures by the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) (see below). Some individual states have decided to restrict its use.
- Why was this new policy developed?
- A relatively small but vocal group of consumers have questioned the safety of CCA. The issue is based largely on research in Florida suggesting that CCA has leached from playground structures to the surrounding soil. The validity of the research has been questioned from numerous sources, but it has affected public perception. While the manufacturers of CCA still stand behind the safety of the product, they have made the decision to be responsive to the consumer and move to a new group of preservatives.
- What does ACCT know about CCA at this point in time?
- Seventy years of use and research strongly point to the safety of CCA. Long-term studies point to the safety of the product. One analysis by the Florida Department of Health shows that a child would have to eat a spoonful of dirt – taken from right next to a CCAtreated play set – every day for 30 years before there would be a potential health effect.
- The EPA looked at the issue of CCA-treated wood as recently as a couple of years ago and reaffirmed its safety when used as recommended. In addition, the CPSC has said that CCA-treated wood is an acceptable material for playground structures. Additional information and recommendations are available on their website listed at the end of this article.
- Parker Brugge, executive director of the Treated Wood Council, recently stated, "Let there be no mistake. We absolutely stand by the safety of wood products treated with EPAapproved preservatives, including CCA. We also continue to support rigorous scientific research, which has consistently upheld the safety of CCA-treated wood when used as recommended."
- What new preservatives will manufacturers use?
- The new generation of preserved wood is marketed under names such as ACQ Preserve®, NatureWood®, and Wolmanized® Natural SelectTM wood. As with CCA, the new preservatives have been approved for use by the EPA. The appropriateness of ACQ for challenge course pole applications is still uncertain. There have been some instances of ACQ-treated poles quickly corroding the galvanizing on throughbolts. Re-drying the poles after treatment may help to reduce this problem, but at this point the data is inconclusive.
- Will the new generation preserved wood products cost more?
- This is an issue that is not clear at this point, but industry experts suggest the price difference may be approximately 10% to 20% higher.
- What does ACCT recommend?
- First and foremost, we support becoming an informed consumer. Certainly, all of the ACCT Professional Vendor Members have done their own research into this topic and will have their own recommendations, which may include possible alternatives. Visit the websites listed below for pertinent data and relevant recommendations. Equip yourself with as much information as possible and keep up with changes as new data becomes available. Know the difference between researchsupported data and media-supported hysteria. Currently, most indications are that CCA-treated wood is still safe and viable if used as recommended by the manufacturers and the EPA.
- Links for further information:
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