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Preserved Wood Enters New Generation

A transition is under way in the type of pressure-treated wood commonly seen in decks, docks, fences, play sets, gazebos, landscaping and many other home improvement projects.

A transition is under way in the type of pressure-treated wood commonly seen in decks, docks, fences, play sets, gazebos, landscaping and many other home improvement projects.

Over the past decade, the manufacturers of the wood preservative known as CCA, or chromated copper arsenate, have developed and refined a number of highly effective new preservatives. After discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and in light of the growing interest in alternative products, each of the manufacturers has volunteered to make a transition to this new generation of wood preservatives for the consumer and residential market. To expedite this transition, preservative manufacturers, suppliers and pressure treaters will retool their facilities by the end of 2003.

Here are the answers from the Treated Wood Council to the most frequently asked questions about this transition:Why is the industry making this transition?

Preservative manufacturers have been in discussions with the EPA as part of the periodic review and re-registration process for CCA, the most widely used preservative on the market today.

Since early 2001, the policy debate about new standards for arsenic in drinking water has prompted substantial media attention. Although treated wood represents a tiny fraction compared to all the natural sources of arsenic in the environment, preservative manufacturers have developed new lines of non-arsenic-based preservatives.

To be responsive to current and anticipated customer interest, the manufacturers told EPA they will complete the transition to these new-generation preservatives for non-industrial wood products by the end of 2003.

Is CCA-treated wood safe?

Absolutely. Study after study has shown it is safe. 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 CCA-treated play set - every day for 30 years before there would be a potential health effect.

If CCA-treated wood is safe, why change?

The fundamental safety of CCA-treated wood has not changed, but perceptions in the marketplace have. The preserved wood industry stands by the safety of all wood products treated with CCA, which have been used for nearly 70 years. Manufacturers have made a decision to be responsive to customer interest in new preservatives that provide the same benefits of CCA-treated wood. The time is right because the industry has developed this new generation of preservatives and can begin the transition.

What are these new generation preservatives?

The manufacturers have developed a number of excellent new preservatives that have been in use for more than a decade. Wood treated with the new-generation preservatives is marketed under the names ACQ Preserve, NatureWood and Wolmanized Natural Select wood. These products use copper-based preservatives.

Are the new preservatives safe?

The new preservatives have been studied extensively and approved for use by the EPA. Like CCA, they protect and extend the life of wood products for decades.

Are these products available today?

There are limited supplies of wood products treated with the new preservatives on the market today. But that will change as the industry retools its facilities to apply the new generation preservatives.

Will the new generation of preserved wood products cost more?

We are not sure at this point what the price difference will be. From what we have seen in the marketplace recently, the price difference is approximately 10 percent to 20 percent higher.

Is it safe to build a deck or play set made with CCA-treated wood?

Yes. EPA looked at the safety of CCA-treated wood within the last few years and reaffirmed its safety when used as recommended. In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in 1990 that CCA-treated wood is an acceptable material for playground structures.

Can I do anything to prevent exposure from CCA-treated wood?

First of all, studies show that people could be exposed to 30 times more arsenic from food and water and other natural sources than they get from contact with CCA-preserved wood. But for anyone still concerned about exposure, there are simple steps that can be taken to minimize it, such as covering wooden tables before eating and regular hand washing. If you work with preserved wood, safe handling instructions are detailed in the EPA-approved Consumer Safety Information Sheet. For a copy, visit http://www.ccasafetyinfo.com/.

Do you recommend the use of sealants?

While EPA has mentioned this possibility, the agency has also stated that CCA-treated wood doesn't pose "unreasonable risks to the public" as is. Sealants are not necessary from a health standpoint.

Why use preservatives at all?

Preservatives make and keep wood products sturdy, stable and safe. They prevent decay, termite damage and extend the life of the products from just a few years to decades.

If you have additional questions, visit www.preservedwood.com, the Web site of the American Wood Preservers Institute.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Image 1: This playground in Oakland, Calif., designed by Leathers & Associates, is constructed with one of the new-generation preserved-wood products.