CanadianCCAInfoSheets6x9.qxd 3/19/03 10:06 AM Page 1

Consumer Safety Information Sheet on CCA Preserved Wood This wood has been preserved by pressure treatment Wash hands after working with the wood, and with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA). CCA con- before eating, drinking, or smoking. tains inorganic arsenic, chromium and copper and is Launder clothing before reuse. Wash separately a pesticide registered for use in Canada under the from other clothing. Pest Control Products Act. Treatment with CCA After construction, all cut ends, sawdust and con- extends the life of wood, thus reducing demand on struction debris should be cleaned up and disposed forest resources. Exposure to arsenic and chromium of in accordance with local regulations. may present certain hazards. Below are steps you Installation and Maintenance can take to reduce significantly releases to the envi- ronment and human exposure to these chemicals. If wood is cut during construction, apply an appro- priate "end-cut" preservative (e.g., copper naphthen- NEVER BURN TREATED WOOD. Arsenic and chromi- ate for above or below ground or zinc naphthenate um may be released into the environment as part of for above ground only) to protect exposed, untreated the smoke or remain in the ashes. wood. Use these products according to the manufac- turers instructions. Use The service life of CCA-treated wood may be Wood treated with CCA should be used only when extended by regular application of coating or sealer such protection is important, as in areas where the which can protect the wood from weathering effects. wood is subject to decay or insect attack or is in con- Such maintenance may also reduce the potential tact with damp soil or water. Treated wood is not a release of toxic chemicals from the wood. substitute for good building design. Proper design The use of bleaches, deck cleaners or brighteners and construction principles must be followed to that contain sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, ensure long service and prevent decay. CCA-treated sodium percarbonate, oxalic acid, or citric acid is not wood should be used in the interior of constructions recommended as they may release toxic chemicals only when there is a risk of accidental wetting and from CCA-treated wood. replacement is difficult (for example, in foundations, Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to minimize basements, ground-floor joists and sub-floors). damage and discoloration caused by moisture. Do not use CCA-treated wood where: Reuse and Disposal • direct food contact is possible (for example, Reuse treated wood to the extent possible. cutting boards, counter tops, beehives); Do not dispose of CCA-treated wood remnants or • the chemicals in the preservative may enter the sawdust in compost heaps, wood chips, or mulch as food chain (for example, animal feed storage, chemicals from the preservative may enter the food silos, water troughs, compost bins, mulch); or chain. • the chemicals in the preservative may come into Dispose of construction wastes or material contact with public drinking water (for example, removed from service in accordance with local well or reservoir covers), except for uses involving regulations. Contact your municipality or provincial incidental contact such as docks and bridges. government to find out how to dispose of CCA- treated wood in your area. (Most areas use ordinary Safe Handling trash collection or burial.) Only purchase CCA-treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residues, as these may NEVER BURN TREATED WOOD. Arsenic and chromi- contain dislodgeable toxic chemicals. um may be released into the environment as part of Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the smoke or remain in the ashes. treated wood. Wear dust mask, eye protection, gloves and long This information sheet is reviewed annually. sleeves when sawing, sanding, shaping or otherwise Revised: October 2001 machining treated wood to avoid skin contact with or Environment Canada Strategic Options Process inhalation of sawdust. Treater/Manufacturers Steering Committee Where possible, cut or otherwise work with treated wood out-of-doors.