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EPA Consumer Information Sheet on Inorganic Arsenical
Pressure-Treated Wood
Including Chromate Copper Arsenate (CCA), Ammoniacal Copper
Arsenate (ACA), and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate(ACZA)
Consumer Information
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. However, some chemical
may migrate from treated wood into surrounding soil over time
and may also be dislodged from the wood surface upon contact
with skin. 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
All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and
disposed of after construction.
Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative
may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of
such sites would be use of mulch from recycled arsenic-treated
wood, cutting boards, counter tops, animal bedding, and structures
or containers for storing animal feed or human food.
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 honey.
Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct
or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving
incidental contact such as docks and bridges.
Handling Precautions
Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection. 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 treated
wood. When sawing, sanding, and machining treated wood, wear
a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be
performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations or airborne
sawdust from treated wood.
When power-sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes
from flying particles.
Wear gloves when working with the wood. After working with
the wood, and before eating, drinking, toileting, and use
of tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly.
Because preservatives or sawdust may accumulate on clothes,
they should be laundered before reuse. Wash work clothes separately
from other household clothing.
 
Like the end tags, the stickers and signs contain these statements:
Caution: Arsenic is in the pesticide applied to this wood.
- Never burn treated wood.
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
- Wear gloves when working with wood.
Ask for the safe handling information sheet or call 800-282-0600
www.ccasafetyinfo.com
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