Arsenic-Treated Wood: A problem that won’t decompose

Children who play often on arsenic-treated wood stand a one in 10,000 chance of developing cancer as a result of their exposure, according to risk assessments completed by the US EPA. Photo: US Army Corps of Engineers

Many consumers are already aware that wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is no longer available at their local home improvement store. A 2003 agreement between the wood treatment industry and the US EPA, ended the manufacture of CCA-treated wood for most residential uses. Arsenic readily leaches from CCA-treated wood and can be easily picked up by human hands, creating unacceptable health risks for children and those who work with the wood. Children who play often on arsenic-treated wood stand a one in 10,000 chance of developing cancer as a result of their exposure, according to risk assessments completed by the US EPA.

But what are consumers, schools and local governments expected to do with the arsenic-treated playground equipment, landscaping ties and backyard decks they already have? CCA-treated wood has been used for the vast majority of wooden playgrounds and decks since the 1970’s, and because CCA-treated wood is so resilient to rot and pests, it will continue to pose a health threat for many years to come. Applying an oil-based stain or sealant can temporarily reduce arsenic exposure by 86-90%, according to recent sealant studies conducted by the US EPA and the Consumer Products Safety Council. But the wood continues to leach arsenic into the surrounding soil, creating additional risks.

How does arsenic leach from the wood?
Rainwater can penetrate CCA-treated wood and bring arsenic up to the surface, where it can easily be picked up by skin and clothes, or move into the surrounding environment.

CCA-treated wood can be a major source of arsenic exposure for children who play frequently on structures made of it, and for adults who commonly use it or work with it. Although many factors can determine how much arsenic will be absorbed during contact with treated wood, both new boards and older boards can have a significant amount of arsenic on the surface. Arsenic may also be swallowed by young children who put their hands in their mouths after playing on arsenic-treated wood structures.

Arsenic also leaches from CCA-treated wood structures into the surrounding soil. The average level of arsenic present in soils below decks and playsets made from CCA-treated wood is around 50 parts per million (ppm), and can range as high as 200 ppm. Just 22 ppm is enough arsenic in the soil to trigger a cleanup at North Carolina hazardous waste sites.

How can we prevent arsenic exposure from existing CCA-treated wood structures?

Public policy to protect children’s health

Many states are taking action to protect children from arsenic exposure by requiring that CCA-treated playgrounds be sealed or removed from public parks, schools, childcare centers, and other sites where children are at risk. In North Carolina, the state has proposed an amendment to the childcare sanitation rule that would require childcare centers to use oil-based sealants on CCA-treated wood and cover contaminated soil. The NC Legislature is also considering House Bill 1502, The School Children’s Health Act, which includes a requirement that schools create a plan for either sealing or removing arsenic-treated playground equipment. Astonishingly, Washington-based lobby groups representing treated-wood manufacturers are fighting these child-protective measures in North Carolina – presumably to protect the image of their non-CCA wood products. The reasonable and relatively inexpensive measures they oppose are designed to prevent childhood cancers by cleaning up children’s environments.

You can learn more about public policy to protect children’s health in North Carolina and how you can help by clicking here, or giving us a call at (919) 833-5333.

Spring 2006 Contents: Arsenic-Treated Wood, Get Ready to Act for School Children's Health, Pesticide News Updates, Toxic Free News is Bilingual, Thank You Volunteers, Bonus feature: Join a CSA Farm in 2006!

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