CONSUMER INFORMATION

CCA to be Phased Out

This wood has been preserved by pressure treatment with an EPA-registered pesticide containing inorganic arsenic to protect it from insect attack and decay. Wood treated with inorganic arsenic should be used only where such protection is important.

Inorganic arsenic penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure-treated wood for a long time. Exposure to inorganic arsenic may present certain hazards. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken both when handling the treated wood and in determining where to use or dispose of the treated wood.

USE SITE PRECAUTIONS

• Wood that has been pressure treated with waterborne arsenical preservatives may be used inside residences as long as all sawdust and construction debris are cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
• Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservatives may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of such sites are structures or containers for storing silage.
• Do not use treated wood for cutting boards or countertops.
• Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks and walkways.
• Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives which may come into contact with the honey.
• Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for use involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

• Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection or burial. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces or residential boilers because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes. Treated wood from commercial or industrial use (e.g., construction sites) may be burned only in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from untreated or treated wood, and when sawing and machining, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of airborne sawdust from treated wood.
• When powersawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles. Gloves can provide extra protection against splinters and freshly treated wet wood. Allow freshly treated wet wood to dry thoroughly before handling.
• Follow good personal hygiene practices in the shop and on the job. After working with the wood and before eating, drinking or using tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly.
• If preservatives or sawdust accumulates on clothes, launder before reuse. Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing.

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