Since the 1940s, treated lumber has been in use in this country. Known in the trades as treated wood, the materials used is called CCA or Chromated Copper Arsenate. CCA wood is used in residential construction as well as decks, playground equipment, posts, and any ground contact application.

The water-based pesticide is injected into a wood product at high pressure and will resist rot, mildew, fungal decay, and insects. The product was used to replace penta or creosote which was proven to cause birth defects and cancer. There is an EPA voluntary phase out of this material in favor of new products but it is still used extensively.

The problem is it contains inorganic arsenic. The materials will leach out into the surrounding soil or water. Contact with the skin should be avoided. Dust generated by cutting it is toxic. Under no circumstances should it be burned, as it will generate toxic gas and ash. Never install this in an application where it comes in contact with skin such as playground equipment.

If you use it- Goggles, dust mask and gloves must be worn. The materials can be disposed of in the garbage and wash after handling it. There is a move to recycle it into cement board siding for the wood portion of the product. Safer materials to use instead are Redwood or Cedar available at lumber yards.

(Editor’s Note: Rick Courson is recognized nationally as a pioneer and authority on Green Building techniques. He is the president-elect of the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County and recently won the 2003 Built Green Award in the 2003 Parade of Homes. He may be reached at R_Courson@msn.com.).