CCA-Treated Lumber

• Until about 2003, the preservatives used to pressure treat wood included chromium, copper and arsenic, all of which are pesticides. This wood is commonly referred to as CCA-treated wood and is used for decks, fences, landscaping and outdoor playsets. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began examining the risks associated with arsenic around the year 2000 and because of the potential health risk from the chemicals in treated wood, it advised against use of CCA-treated woods for residential and nonindustrial structures. Manufacturers voluntarily stopped production of CCA-treated wood for residential applications in December 2003, but it was still available until mid-2004. Manufacturers now label all CCA-treated woods to inform consumers that the product contains arsenic.
  
  

Burning Treated Wood

• During the preservation process, the chemicals used to make pressure-treated wood are bonded to the wood. Burning breaks the bond between the components of the preservative and the wood, releasing potentially dangerous chemicals into the air in the form of ash and tiny particles. The ash also contains the toxins originally locked inside. You can inhale these, and the ash also can contaminate the soil, affecting humans, plants and animals. Although most manufacturers no longer use arsenic in the treating process, it is still produced for use on industrial structures like bridges, and it is difficult to identify the type of treated wood you have if the wood is old and the green color has faded. Burning any pressure-treated wood releases a variety of chemicals into the air that may pose a risk to health.
  
  

Identifying Treated Wood

• New CCA-treated lumber has a green tint. However, as the wood ages, this color fades and you may not be able to identify this type of treated wood by appearance alone. Often manufacturers have small slits that line the wood as well, but if these are not present, again it may be hard to determine what type of wood you have. If your structure was made prior to 2004, it is safer to assume it is CCA-treated lumber and avoid burning.
  
  

Proper Disposal

• Burning, composting or grinding pressure-treated wood can release harmful chemicals into the environment. In many regions, you may dispose of treated lumber in small amounts at your local solid waste site. Dispose of larger quantities at an approved waste-handling facility. Check with your local municipality to determine how you should dispose of your treated lumber.