CCA
Treated Lumber - Safe or Not
Do It Yourself
FAQ
I want to build a fence of CCA treated yellow
pine. I have heard it is toxic. Is it safe to use for fences at my home?
According to the State of Connecticut,
Department of Public Health is it under certain conditions. They released a report April
6, 1999 to the Connecticut Building Contractors and Remodelers that can be summarized in
part as follows.
CCA treated wood contains arsenic in small
quantities. Arsenic in large quantities can kill you. It is a poison. Small amounts can
leach from the wood into the soil from outdoor use of CCA treated lumber. This will not
contaminate your soil to the degree where testing is required, but certain precautions
should be taken to avoid the danger of long term exposure.
Properly seal with sealants, preferably
oil-based stains.
keep children and pets out of under-deck
areas.
Don't grow edible plants directly next to
it.
Use plastic liners on the inside of CCA
boards used for frame garden beds.
From my own knowledge base, I recommend you
don't use it as firewood for family cookouts when roasting your weenies. Don't use it in
your interior fireplaces. Don't burn it all. Don't make toothpicks out of it or cutting
boards. I think you have the right idea.
Author: Frank R. Hoover, Hoover Fence
Co.
25 years+ in the fence business
Copyright 1999 Hoover Fence Co.
May be reprinted as long as the source is acknowledged
August 31, 1999
Home
|
All content
copyright Hoover Fence Co. and Hoover Enterprises June 1999
4521 Warren Rd., Newton Falls, OH 44444 Phone: (330) 358-2335 |
|