Pressure Treated Wood Products

Products Affected By CCA Phase Out:

The EPA will not allow CCA pressure treated wood products to be used after December 31, 2003 in any decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, gazebos, residential fencing, patios, walkways/boardwalks, and play structures for consumer use. Anything already containing pressure treated wood before the indicated date is not affected by the EPA’s announcement. Certain precautions should be taken when working with a CCA treated wood product to better ensure your health and your family’s health.

If your products are made with redwood or cedar they most likely contain CCA. When pressure treated wood has not yet been coated there will be a greenish tint that eventually will fade. Arsenic can be very dangerous when handled incorrectly and working with CCA treated wood should be done so with extreme caution. Pressure treated wood should never be sawed, sanded, or machined indoors. Always wear a protective mask, goggles, and gloves if handling pressure treated wood and clean up and throw away any remains when finished.

Never burn pressure treated wood because it will release the human toxin into the air with the smoke and ashes. A 1984 Journal of the American Medical Association reported that a Wisconsin family that had burned CCA containing wood scraps in their home furnace for heating purposes experienced their hair falling out, severe reoccurring nosebleeds, extreme fatigue, and debilitating headaches. The parents spoke of black out period that would last for several hours with long periods of extreme disorientation following it. The two children had frequent seizures. Since arsenic affects not just humans, but any pets and wildlife, the family noticed their houseplants and fish had died as well. Later all the serious health effects were attributed to the family breathing in minute amounts of arsenic dust that had occurred from the ashes.

Wash any body part exposed when working with pressure treated wood as well as work clothing. Do not wash the work clothing with your family’s clothing and risk spreading the carcinogenic toxin to more areas. If wishing to dispose of any pressure treated wood containing products it should be done with regular municipal trash. Pressure treated wood should not be used as a compost or mulch. If you are suffering from side effects due to pressure treated wood exposure contact us to learn more about your legal rights and options.

If you are suffering from side effects due to pressure treated wood exposure Contact James F. Humphreys & Associates, L.C. to learn more about your legal rights and options.