Chromated Copper Arsenate Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood containing cca is no longer used in most residential settings.

Chromated copper arsenate pressure treated wood.

The us epa currently is re evaluating cca as part of a mandated reregistration process applicable to all pesticide products. Chromated copper arsenate is a wood preservative containing compounds of chromium copper and arsenic in various proportions. The united states environmental protection agency usepa has not banned cca but it is desirable to to take the recommended precautions to limit exposure to cca treated wood because it contains arsenic a known human carcinogen. Cca is an inorganic arsenic pesticide that protects wood from fungi mold dry rot termites and other pests.

Chromated copper arsenate cca treated wood under 29 cfr 1910 1200 hazard communication standard are considered mixtures due to further processing which may produce dusts and or fume. Cca was invented in 1933 by indian chemist sonti kamesam and patented in britain in 1934. Seventy years of safe use and the body of sound scientific and medical evidence demonstrate that chromated copper arsenate cca pressure treated wood is safe when used as recommended. Like other copper based wood preservatives it imparts a greenish tint to treated timber.

Chromated copper arsenate cca is a water soluble inorganic pesticide most commonly used as a wood preservative to make it resistant to attack by termites and fungi that cause decay. The chemicals in cca treated wood have been shown to leach into the surrounding environment and can transfer to the skin when people touch the wood. Chromated copper arsenate cca wood preservatives. The term treated wood refers to wood that has been pressure treated with a chemical known as chromated copper arsenate cca.

It has been used for timber t. Wolmanac cca for wolmanized heavy duty wood for 75 years wolmanac cca chromated copper arsenate preservative has provided proven protection from termites and fungal decay for wood used in industrial applications such as utility highway marine agricultural and heavy construction. It is the treater s responsibility to comply with the terms of the label. Cca treated wood is also referred to as.

Supatimber cca chromated copper arsenate is an american wood protection association awpa standardized u1 wood preservative and is registered for use only in pressure treatment of certain commodities. The wood is dipped in a solution of cca and subjected to vacuum pressure to force penetration of cca into the wood.