Chromated copper arsenate treated wood has become almost ubiquitous in the United States.

Steps and railings, decks and furniture made with this product, including picnic tables, surround us.

While the EPA has banned its further use and new treated lumber is made with different, presumably less toxic, chemicals the arsenic treated wood is part of many of our daily lives.

Here are a few guidelines:

People should never eat food products which have come in contact with the treated lumber. The treated wood should not be used to surround gardens where food is grown, since the arsenic will leach into the soil.

Children should not put their hands in their mouths after contact with the wood and should wash their hands after playing on the treated wood structures.

Many believe the best case scenario would be to completely replace all arsenic treated lumber. At the very least, all surfaces should be covered with a sealant.

For further information contact the Environmental Protection Agency, on line at www.epa.gov

 or, among many others concerned with the issue, the National Recreation and Park Association, www.nrpa.org

Posted 8/4/2004