CCA
On February 12, 2002 the Environmental Protection Agency announced that the manufacturers of pressure treating lumber voluntarily agreed to stop producing CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treated lumber for residential uses by December 31, 2003. Although the EPA has not determined that this product is unsafe and there is currently very little scientific proof that a danger exists, the Agency and the manufacturers reached this agreement now rather than wait for the normal three year process to remove the product from the market.

Please note that the agreement calls for the end of production by this December 31 - not the end of sales of CCA treated lumber. Suppliers may continue to sell the product until inventories are depleted. Some of our local lumber yards have predicted that they should be able to supply CCA treated lumber until April or May of 2004. CCA treated lumber will still be available for limited residential uses and for some commercial applications, however it will not be allowed for decks and porches or residential or commercial play equipment.

Replacement treated wood products are available at many lumber yards now. The leading replacement preservatives seems to be ACQ (alkaline copper quat ) and CA (copper azole). Estimated prices for these alternatives range from 10% to 30% over the cost of CCA treated lumber because both use much higher amounts of copper. Southern Yellow Pine treated with these chemicals has many of the same preservative characteristics as CCA treated lumber, but without the use of arsenic or chrome. Both are offered with a lifetime warranty against rot and termite damage.

In addition to the higher cost for the lumber, these treatment processes make the lumber more corrosive to fasteners. Nails, screws and bolts need to be made of stainless steel or be a quality hot dipped galvanized fastener. Fastener manufacturers are also introducing new coatings that resist corrosion when used with treated lumber. Aluminum flashing should not be used at all as it will quickly deteriorate when placed next to ACQ or CA treated lumber. For more information on the impact on fasteners of the new treatment processes go to: http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/pages/h00127.asp .

Below is a copy of the EPA news release. In the interest of space a few paragraphs of less important information have been deleted. For a complete copy and additional information on this subject go to: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/cca_transition.htm

EPA NEWS RELEASE

On February 12, 2002, EPA announced a voluntary decision by industry to move consumer use of treated lumber products away from a variety of pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic by December 31, 2003, in favor of new alternative wood preservatives. This transition affects virtually all residential uses of wood treated with chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA, including wood used in play-structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways/boardwalks. By January 2004, EPA will not allow CCA products for any of these residential uses. This decision will facilitate the voluntary transition to new alternative wood preservatives that do not contain arsenic in both the manufacturing and retail sectors. Although the Agency has not concluded that there is unreasonable risk to the public from these products, we do believe that any reduction in exposure to arsenic is desirable. This action comes years ahead of completing the Agency's regulatory and scientific assessment of CCA and will result in substantial reductions in potential exposure to CCA.

What uses of CCA-treated wood are affected by this transition?
After December 31, 2003, wood treaters will no longer be able to use CCA to treat wood intended for use in decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, gazebos, residential fencing, patios, walkways/boardwalks, and play-structures. Wood treated prior to this date, however, can still be used in residential settings. Already built structures containing CCA-treated wood are not affected by this action.

Does CCA-treated wood present any health risks to me or my family?
EPA has not concluded that CCA-treated wood poses any unreasonable risk to the public or the environment. Nevertheless, arsenic is a known human carcinogen and, thus, the Agency believes that any reduction in the levels of potential exposure to arsenic is desirable. EPA believes that the voluntary transition to non-arsenical containing wood preservatives for residential sites is a responsible action by the registrants.

What steps can parents take to reduce their family's potential exposure to CCA?
As a responsible parent, you manage a wide range of risks in your child's environment. Here are some common sense tips for minimizing unnecessary exposure to CCA:

• Treated wood should never be burned in open fires, stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers.
• Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with any wood, especially prior to eating and drinking.
• Food should not come into direct contact with any treated wood.
• Always follow the precautions outlined in EPA's Consumer Safety Information Sheet before working with CCA-treated wood.
  
  Additional measures that may be taken include the following:
• Apply a coating product to pressure-treated wood on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that this can reduce the amount of CCA that leaches from treated wood. (See the "coating" question below.)  
• When conducting new construction or repairs, consider the range of alternatives to CCA-treated wood. These alternatives include both non-arsenical chemical wood preservatives, as well as other wood and non-wood. Consult your local home improvement store for more information about available alternatives.

Should I replace my CCA-treated deck or play-set?
EPA does not recommend that consumers replace or remove existing structures made with CCA-treated wood or the soil surrounding those structures. Concerned citizens may want to take extra precautions, however, by applying a coating to exposed surfaces on a regular basis. (See below for more information on coating structures.)

What types of coatings are most effective?
While available data are very limited, some studies suggest that applying certain penetrating coatings (e.g., oil-based, semi-transparent stains) on a regular basis (e.g., once per year or every other year depending upon wear and weathering) may reduce the migration of wood preservative chemicals from CCA-treated wood. In selecting a finish, consumers should be aware that, in some cases, "film-forming" or non-penetrating stains (e.g., latex semitransparent, latex opaque, and oil-based opaque stains) on outdoor surfaces such as decks and fences are not recommended, as subsequent peeling and flaking may ultimately have an impact on durability as well as exposure to the preservatives in the wood. Talk with your local hardware store about available coatings.

How can I tell if my deck has been constructed with CCA-treated wood?
Freshly treated wood, if not coated, has a greenish tint, which fades over time. As a practical matter, CCA has been the principal chemical used to treat wood for decks and other outdoor uses around the home. Generally, if your deck has not been constructed with redwood or cedar, then most likely the deck was constructed with CCA-treated wood. Alternatively, if you know who constructed the deck, you may want to call and ask.

What alternatives to CCA-treated wood will be available?
A number of preservatives have been registered by EPA, and wood treated with these preservatives are expected to be available in the marketplace. In addition, untreated wood (e.g., cedar and redwood) and non-wood alternatives, such as plastics, metal, and composite materials are available. Your local hardware store or lumberyard can provide more information about available alternatives.

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