Wednesday, March 5, 2003

CCA wood is safe for now, commission says

The Georgia Forestry Commission has issued a statement assuring the public that continued use of CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treated wood does not pose any unreasonable risk during the wood treatment industry's voluntary transition to preservative alternatives over the next two years.

The statement was released in the wake of continuing public concerns following the transition decision prompted by Environmental Protection Agency studies related to wood treatments. The change affects all residential (non-industrial) use of wood treated with CCA including wood used in decks, play structures, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, and walkways.

Officials with GFC emphasize that EPA has not concluded that CCA treated wood poses any unreasonable threat to the public or environment; however, arsenic is a known carcinogen and EPA believes any reduction of potential exposure is desirable. Manufacturers will continue to produce CCA for industrial applications such as highway construction, utility poles, and pilings.

Research studies show that people may be exposed to over 30 times more arsenic from food, water, and other natural sources than from contact with CCA preserved wood; one analysis by the Florida Department of Health shows that a child would have to eat a spoonful of dirt, taken from next to a CCA treated play structure, every day for 30 years before there would be any potential health influence.

Neither GFC nor EPA recommends replacing CCA treated wood structures or surrounding soil. For those still concerned about exposure, simple steps such as covering picnic tables and hand washing are recommended such sanitary procedures could be beneficial precautions in any situation.

Other common sense suggestions for minimizing unnecessary exposure to CCA include: Treated wood should never be burned in open fires, stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers. And always follow precautions outlined in EPA's Consumer Safety Information Sheet before working with CCA treated wood (for a copy of the Safety Sheet, visit www.ccasafetyinfo.com/).

Decisions resulting in the EPA announced transition allow for an orderly movement to the "next generation" of preservatives. The deadline of Dec. 31, 2003 is generally considered ample time for planning. Some industry leaders consider the transition to be a change that could open the door to new opportunities in the future. Manufacturers have made a decision to be responsive to customer interest in new preservatives that provide the same benefits of CCA treated wood. A new generation of preservatives is on the way.

"Regardless of preservative treatments used, Southern pine will remain the species of choice for application," said GFC Director Fred Allen. "Southern pine's strength and unique ability to accept pressure makes it ideal for protection and a universal priority for building."

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