CCA-treated wood

Abstract

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a chemical preservative that protects wood from rotting due to insects and microbial agents. CCA has been used to pressure treat lumber since the 1930s. Since the 1970s, the majority of the wood used in residential settings was CCA-treated wood. CCA is a registered chemical pesticide that is subject to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA’s) regulation. The pesticide registration for CCA was modified as a result of a voluntary agreement reached on February 12, 2002 between the registrants and EPA, to transition to a new generation of preservatives for most non-industrial applications. That agreement permitted the use of CCA for all existing registered uses until December 31, 2003, and the continued sale and distribution of CCA-treated wood treated by the label. After January 1, 2004, following label amendment, CCA was permitted and continues to be sold to treat wood only for commercial, industrial and non-residential uses. The exposure to CCA is intensified by hand-to-mouth behavior, which is well-documented among children. The exposure to CCA is direct contact with wood as arsenic in CCA-treated wood can be dislodged. The exposure through contaminated soil through leaching of the CCA from wood into surrounding soil is well documented. The exposure through incomplete fixation leads to arsenic, chromium, and copper toxicity causing skin irritation, and increasing risk of chronic health effects. The acute and chronic health effect is mainly due to the arsenic and chromium toxicity.