(ARA) - If you thought treated lumber was a given in backyard projects, think again: As of Jan. 1, 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no longer allows chromated copper arsenate (CCA) to be used in treating wood intended for most residential settings. This change in policy even applies to outdoor projects such as play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios, walkways and boardwalks.
Chromated copper arsenate contains arsenic, a known human carcinogen linked to cancers of the skin, bladder, lungs and kidneys. Arsenic in wood can be particularly unsafe, due to naturally occurring leaching over time. CCA-treated wood is still considered acceptable for use in industrial end-use applications such as highway construction, utility poles and pilings, but all remaining CCA-treated wood inventories will be exhausted by mid-2004 for the majority of consumer usage.
"This action will result in a reduction of virtually all residential uses of CCA-treated wood within less than two years," said former EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "This is a responsible action by the industry that will ensure that future exposures to arsenic are minimized in residential settings.”
Already have CCA lumber in your yardscape? Here are some common-sense tips for minimizing unnecessary exposure to CCA:
• CCA-treated wood should never be burned in open fires, stoves, fireplaces or residential boilers.
• Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with CCA-treated woods, especially prior to eating and drinking.
• Food should not come into direct contact with any treated wood.
• Always follow the precautions outlined in the EPA’s consumer safety information sheet before working with CCA-treated wood: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/presentation.
• When planning your new construction or building project, consider using alternatives.
Most people still prefer a genuine wood product for their outdoor projects. According to a 2003 product demand study by Remodeling Magazine, 57 percent of all decking is wood -- twice the amount of any other category.
This shows wood is still the preferred decking product. A hands-down favorite all-natural choice is western red cedar -- and for good reason according to the experts.
“Natural qualities of western red cedar make it an excellent choice for a wide range of building projects both inside the home and outside the home,” said Peter Lang, general manager of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. “It’s naturally durable without the need for chemical treatment, dimensionally stable, resilient, and lightweight. Better yet, it stays cool on hot summer days, unlike some plastic or imitation wood products.”
Cedar fibers contain natural compounds that act as natural preservatives, making the wood extremely long-lasting. These compounds also give the wood its distinct aroma. When properly finished, western red cedar will last for decades, even in harsh environments.
For more information about construction and maintenance of decks and other outdoor projects, talk with an expert at a home improvement store or visit the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association Web site at www.realcedar.org or call (866) 778-9096.
Courtesy of ARA Content
