Arsenic-Treated Wood: Background and Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Sept. 9, 2005 |
| Report Number |
RL32412 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Michael M. Simpson, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Beginning on January 1, 2004, the EPA no longer allowed use of chromatedcopper arsenate (CCA) to preserve wood intended for most residential uses: playstructures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, gazebos,patios, and walkways. Wood treated prior to that date may still be used in residentialsettings, and CCA-treated wood in extant built structures is not affected. Meanwhile,the wood preservative industry has voluntarily converted to preservatives forresidential wood uses that do not contain arsenic. While the EPA "does not believethere is any reason to remove or replace CCA-treated structures," arsenic is a knowncarcinogen in humans and any reduction in the levels of potential exposure to arsenicis desirable; the agency is continuing study of the entire range of CCA uses.Disposal of extant CCA-treated wood, export and possible import of CCAtreatedwood and wood products, determination of the best ways to reduce arsenicexposure from extant wood, and possible adverse effects from nonarsenic woodpreservatives are continuing concerns.
