Wood
- Why wood is treated with arsenic & other toxic preservatives
- Dangers of Arsenic & Other Wood Preservatives
- SF City Staff & Contractors Wood Compliance Checklist
- How to Reduce Your Exposure to Arsenic Treated Wood
Why wood is treated with arsenic & other toxic preservatives
Wood used outside is subject to attack by fungi, insects, and other natural organisms. These attacks can result in damage that greatly compromises the structural integrity of the wood, leading to potentially dangerous conditions for humans and property, as well as costly and time-consuming repairs.
In general, this problem has been addressed by treating the wood with preservatives (chemical pesticides) that protect the wood from these pests and prolong its useful life. Because the chemical pesticides are forced into the wood under high pressure, wood that has undergone this treatment is commonly called "Pressure-Treated Wood."
Dangers of Arsenic & Other Wood Preservatives
Wood preservatives contain poisonous chemicals that are designed kill the living organisms we call pests. Some of these wood preservatives contain arsenic and other chemicals that pose significant negative effects on human health and the environment. There is now a considerable body of scientific research documenting the release of arsenic, a known carcinogen, out of pressure-treated wood and into the environment. In addition, these harmful chemicals can be released during processing and storage of treated wood, during sawing or other manufacturing processes, and during or after disposal. Fortunately, alternatives to arsenic-treated wood are available throughout California.
SF City Staff & Contractors Wood Compliance Checklist
According to the Arsenic-Treated Wood Ordinance (2003)
- Buy only REQUIRED green products (Alternatives to Arsenic-Treated Wood) or these SUGGESTED products.
- Seal arsenic-treated wood play structures (that cannot be immediately replaced) regularly with durable sealants that prevent chromated copperarsenate (CCA)-treated wood from leaching.
- Arsenic-treated wood is a LIMITED USE product and is only allowed for salt water immersion for pilings.
- PROHIBITED wood for decking: ACZA, CCA & other arsenic treated woods.
Check out the Green Purchasing Compliance Checklist.
How to Reduce Exposure to Arsenic Treated Wood
- Avoid buying arsenic-treated wood in situations where human contact is likely, such as deck railings or children's playground equipment.
- Wash children's hands immediately after they have played on or near play structures made with arsenic-treated wood.
- Keep children and pets out of under-deck areas.
- Never burn any treated wood deliberately.
- Wear a dust mask and/or respirator while cutting or sawing treated wood. Use a dropcloth so that sawdust can be collected and discarded. Wash hands immediately after work.
- Do not use arsenic-treated wood for wood chips or mulch.
- Check out the Wood & Safe Playgrounds Project (Center for Environmental Health)
- Try Alternatives to Arsenic-Treated Wood or these SUGGESTED products.
- Seal arsenic-treated wood regularly with durable sealants that prevent wood preservatives from leaching.
Various FSC-certified sustainably harvested wood
57 criteria that address indigenous rights, labor rights, conservation of biological diversity, water, soils, and ecosystems.
Various plastic lumber in EPA CPG Directory
Various Arsenic Treated Wood
Arsenic is a carcinogen and can be released during processing, storage, sawing, during or after disposal.
