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Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) Treated Wood
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Barnes, Laura L. |
| Copyright Year | 2005 |
| Abstract | Page 18 Pesticides and You Vol. 23, No. 1, 2003 C hromated copper arsenate (CCA) is an inorganic arsenical (composed of arsenic, chromium and copper) that is used as a wood preservative. In February 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a voluntary phase-out by industry of most residential uses of this arsenic-based wood preservative. The agreement states that beginning in January 2004, CCA-treated wood can no longer be manufactured for decks and patios, picnic tables, playground equipment, walkways/boardwalks, landscaping timbers, or fencing. However, already existing residential CCA-treated wood and structures may continue to be sold and used. In 1988, when EPA decided to cancel most non-wood uses of the inorganic arsenicals, the agency stated its concern about oncogenicity (cancer), mutagenicity (genetic damage), teratogenicity (birth defects) and acute toxicity. EPA noted that its Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (OHEA) had prepared a report reviewing the existing scientific literature, including “Human epidemiology studies ... [which] provided the most persuasive evidence linking exposure to inorganic arsenic to an increase in cancer in humans.” When EPA finally canceled the last non-wood use of the inorganic arsenicals in 1993, it determined it would not modify its earlier risk/benefit assessment. Since then, intensive involvement by advocacy groups has lead to investigations, hearings and even lawsuits. In December of 2002, Beyond Pesticides filed suit in the District of Columbia District Court to ban all use and production of three major wood preservatives, including CCA (See Pushing to End The Horror of Hazardous Wood Preservatives, Pesticides and You, Winter 2002-2003). In 2003, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) responded to a petition, filed by the Environmental Working Group and the Healthy Buildings Network, to cancel CCA for use on playground equipment. By assessing the results of a series of tests wiping surface residues from CCA treated wood, and the amount of time children spend on playground equipment, the Commission found a 2 to 100 per million increased risk of lung or bladder cancer. US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Briefing Package: Petition to Ban Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-Treated Wood in Playground Equipment (Petition HP 01-3), February 2003. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/spring%2003/cca%20factsheet.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
