CCA is composed of the oxides or salts of chromium Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is the first element in group 6. It is a steely-grey, lustrous, hard and brittle transition metal. Chromium is also the main additive in stainless steel, to which it adds anti-corrosive properties. Chromium is also highly val…Chromium
What is CCA treated wood?
- Wood treated with other preservatives approved by EPA;
- Wood-alternative and composite materials (including steel, fiberglass-reinforced concrete, laminated wood); and
- Species of wood that are resistant to pests.
Is CCA treated wood safe?
The EPA has concluded that existing structures constructed with CCA-treated wood do not pose unreasonable risks to the public, and do not need to be removed or replaced. Wood treated with CCA can be still be used for commercial, industrial and some agricultural purposes.
What does CCA stand for in wood?
Breaking Down the Lumber Label
- CCA-C is the active ingredient—in this case, chromated copper arsenate, type C.
- 0.60 is the lumber’s retention rate, or the amount of preservative used to treat the wood. The higher the retention rate, the lower the biodeterioration rate.
- UC4B is the Use Category. ...
- AWPA U1 signifies that the wood has been treated according to AWPA Standards.
Where to buy CCA lumber?
- Southern Yellow Pine 1″ x 6″ #2 .40# CCA (Full 1″ Rough) 8′ to 16′ Available
- Oak 1″ x 6″ to 16′ (Sound Square Edge Boards)Poplar 1″ x 6″ x 16′ Full 1″ Rough,Treated to Refusal
- All Lengths Available
- Call Our Agricultural Specialist for Specifics on Your Fence Board Needs
How is wood treated with CCA?
What Is CCA? most commonly used as a wood preservative to make it resistant to attack by termites and fungi that cause decay. The wood is dipped in a solution of CCA and subjected to vacuum pressure to force penetration of CCA into the wood.
Why is CCA treated lumber no longer produced for use as a wood preservative in residential construction?
In 2003, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the lumber industry agreed to discontinue the use of CCA-treated wood in most residential construction. This agreement was intended to protect the health of humans and the environment by reducing exposure to the arsenic in CCA-treated wood.
Is CCA still used to treat wood?
Wood treated with CCA is still available primarily for industrial use, and CCA is also still registered with EPA for the treatment of wood products that may be found in residential settings (shakes, shingles, and structural members other than decks) as well as products found in agricultural/ commercial settings (posts ...
What is CCA coating?
Chromated arsenicals, which include chromated copper arsenate (CCA), are a group of pesticides containing chromium, copper, and/or arsenic that protect wood against termites, fungi and other pests that can degrade or threaten the integrity of wood products.
What is the problem with CCA?
We have identified potential environmental concerns associated with the use of CCA wood: Arsenic translocated to soil and water via: leaching from wood; runoff from lumber yards; and sawdust and physical wearing of the wood.
Is CCA better than ACQ?
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and Copper Azole (CA) generally leach more than CCA-treated wood. However, the parts that are released into the environment tend to be lower in toxicity.
Does CCA treated wood rot?
The lifespan of CCA-treated wood is 40 years, with a potential to last even longer.
How long does CCA treated pine last?
30 - 50 yearThe majority of the CCA fixed within timber remains there over its lifetime of service. If it did not, the wood would rot and fail in much less than the 30 - 50 year period for which it is often guaranteed.
Why is there no green treated lumber?
Were children becoming ill after gnawing on the original green-treated recipe? No, mostly because children aren't inclined to chew on wood, or instinctively need to wear down their incisors. Treated lumber was, after 40 years, suddenly under the microscope simply because it contained arsenic, which is poisonous.
Can you paint CCA treated timber?
CCA (Seasoned-Kiln Dried to Aust Standards) CCA treated timbers can be primed and over-coated with Acrylic/Water based paints. It is recommended that Kiln Dried CCA treated timbers be allowed to age for 7 fine days prior to painting.
What is CCA timber?
Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) is a water-borne solution of up to 25% copper, up to 45% chromium and up to 37% arsenic. This treatment makes the timber highly resistant to pests and fungi but it can also be toxic when handled or burnt, and should never be used for household building or renovation.
Does CCA leach into soil?
Older treated pine (called CCA treated pine) is preserved with copper and chrome arsenate (containing arsenic) and studies have shown low levels of these chemicals can leach into the soil and have been found in some root vegetables.
What is a CCA?
Chromated Arsenicals (CCA) Chromated arsenicals, which include chromated copper arsenate (CCA), are a group of pesticides containing chromium, copper, and/or arsenic that protect wood against termites, fungi and other pests that can degrade or threaten the integrity of wood products. Chromated arsenicals-treated wood is used to produce commercial ...
What are some alternatives to chromated arsenicals?
Alternatives to chromated arsenicals-treated wood include the following: Wood treated with other preservatives approved by EPA; Wood-alternative and composite materials (including steel, fiberglass-reinforced concrete, laminated wood); and. Species of wood that are resistant to pests.
How often is chromated arsenicals registered?
Chromated arsenicals are currently undergoing registration review, a process EPA conducts for all pesticides every 15 years to ensure that products can carry out their intended function without creating unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. In its January 2021 Proposed Interim Decision ...
When did chromated arsenicals stop being made?
In December 2003, chromated arsenicals manufacturers voluntarily discontinued manufacturing chromated arsenicals-treated wood products for homeowner uses. However, EPA does not require the removal of existing structures made with wood treated with chromated arsenicals or the surrounding soil.
Can you burn CCA wood?
Do not burn CCA or other preservative-treated wood in a residential setting to avoid possible inhalation of toxic chemicals in the smoke and ash. Wear goggles and a dust mask when sawing wood treated with chromated arsenicals and wash your hands after handling.
Is chromated arsenical toxic?
Chromated arsenicals pose cancer and non-cancer health risks of concern to workers in wood treatment facilities. EPA did not find health risks of concern for the general public. Chromated arsenicals pose risks to aquatic invertebrates and plants. Prior to 2004, wood treated with chromated arsenicals was used in residential structures such as decks ...
What is the most common compound in wood?
The most common of these is pentachlorophenol which is a crystalline aromatic compound. Both pentachlorophenol and creosote impart a dark color to the wood, have an odor, and result in an oily surface which is difficult to paint. Wood treated with either chemical is flammable and contact with skin may cause irritation.
What is the process of preserving wood?
The wood preservation process involves impregnating the wood with chemicals that protect the wood from biological deterioration and to delay combustion due to fire. The most common process includes pressure-treatment in which the chemical is carried into the wood by a carrier fluid under pressurized conditions.
What is the most common waterborne preservative?
The most common of these waterborne preservatives is CCA which represents over 90% of the U.S. waterborne preservative market (AWPI, 1996). CCA is composed of the oxides or salts of chromium, copper, and arsenic. The copper in the wood serves as the fungicide whereas the arsenic protects the wood against insects.
What is the difference between fire retardant and creosote?
Formulations for fire retardants include ammonium salts, borates, phosphates, bromides, and antimony oxides. Creosote is a heavy black-brown liquid produced by condensing vapors from heated carbon-rich sources, such as coal or wood.
What are the drawbacks of wood?
Drawbacks of the wood are a strong green color at high retention values.
What is the fourth preservative?
The fourth preservative, fire-retardants, delay the combustion process when wood is subjected to fire. Fire-retardants represent the smallest fraction of the wood treatment market.
Can you use pentachlorophenol in wood?
Neither pentachlorophenol- nor creosote-treated wood should be used inside residences. Waterborne preservatives utilize water as the carrier fluid during the treating process. The water is evaporated from the wood shortly after treatment leaving behind the treatment chemicals. The most common waterborne chemicals are metal oxides.
Geosyntec's Scope of Services
Geosyntec's engagement on this project focused on in situ chemical and biological reduction as promising state-of-the-science technologies for remediating CCA contamination.
Notable Accomplishments
Geosyntec's experts helped the Danish government identify cost-effective state-of-the-art technology options for remediating legacy CCA contamination at historic wood treatment facilities in Denmark.
How to use ACQ treated wood?
When is it Safe to Use ACQ Treated Wood? 1 Wood pressure-treated with ACQ preservatives may be used inside residences as long as all sawdust and construction debris are cleaned up and disposed of after construction. 2 Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of such sites would be structures or containers for storing silage or food. 3 Do not use treated wood for cutting boards or countertops. 4 Only use treated wood that's visibly clean and free from surface residue for patios, decks and walkways. 5 Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives that may come in contact with honey. 6 Do not use treated wood where it may come in direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges. 7 Do not use treated wood for mulch.
What is ACQ treated lumber?
The new pressure treated lumber is preserved with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), or also known as Copper Azole (CBA). Both of these chemical treatments are to have less environmental and health risks, but they’re also more corrosive to nails, screws, and any other metal fasteners that come in contact with lumber.
What is ACQ lumber?
One of the new pressure treated lumber uses the preservative Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ). CCA treated lumber is still manufactured and sold for certain industrial and marine applications, including agricultural posts and poles, and some builders prefer CCA lumber for poles and posts. However, a considerable amount of ACQ lumber is being used, ...
What is ACQ wood?
Alkaline Copper Quaternary (also known as ACQ) is a water based wood preservative method recently introduced in countries where there is a demand for alternatives to Chromated copper arsenate (CCA).
How to prevent sawdust from splintering?
Wear gloves to protect against splinters. Wear a dust mask when machining any wood to reduce the inhalation of wood dusts. Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated wood. Machining operations should be performed outdoors whenever possible to avoid indoor accumulations of airborne sawdust.
How to prevent eye injury from sawdust?
Wear appropriate eye protection to reduce the potential for eye injury from wood particles and flying debris during machining. Wash exposed areas thoroughly with mild soap and water after working with treated wood. If preservative or sawdust accumulates on clothes, launder before reuse.
Can you use ACQ preservatives on treated wood?
Wood pressure-treated with ACQ preservatives may be used inside residences as long as all sawdust and construction debris are cleaned up and disposed of after construction. Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed.
What is CCA treated wood?
Regulation of CCA Treated Wood. Preservatives that contain arsenic, chromium and copper have been used to pressure-treat lumber in the United States since the 1940's. Before 2003, CCA-treated wood was commonly used to build decks and play-sets in residential areas. In 2003, the EPA and the lumber industry agreed to discontinue the use ...
When did the EPA stop using CCA treated lumber?
In 2003, the EPA and the lumber industry agreed to discontinue the use of CCA-treated wood in most residential construction.
Can CCA treated wood be used for landscaping?
As a result of this decision, CCA-treated wood can no longer be used to construct residential structures such as playground equipment, decks, picnic tables, landscaping features, fences, patios, and walkways.
Do CCA treated wood structures need to be removed?
The EPA has concluded that existing structures constructed with CCA-treated wood do not pose unreasonable risks to the public, and do not need to be removed or replaced.
Why is CCA used on poles?
CCA provides effective protection for poles because it chemically "fixes" or bonds to the wood, reducing the chances of potential migration of the preservative into the soil or groundwater. To improve climbability for utility linemen, oil-based emulsion treatments can be added to CCA, allowing for better climbing gaff penetration.
What is ACZA wood used for?
In addition to utility poles, ACZA preserved wood is often used in aquatic environments, docks, piers and applications where it will be exposed to water. ACZA-treated poles protect against the major causes of wood degradation: decay and termites (including Formosan), marine organisms, carpenter ants and woodpeckers.
What are the preservatives in wood?
Penta, Copper Naphthenate, Creosote and DCOI are oil-type preservatives and are carried into the wood via petroleum products. CCA and ACZA are waterborne preservatives where water carries the preservatives deep into the wood fiber.
What is DCOI wood?
DCOI has been standardized as a wood preservative by the AWPA since 1989 and ground contact uses were added in 2017. DCOI is a thoroughly tested preservation system, offering a high performance, durable pole. Key components in the preservative are also used in Ecolife treated decking and fencing.
What are the preservatives used in utility poles?
There are six preservatives for utility poles and crossarms that are used today in North America: Pentachlorophenol, or penta; Chromated Copper Arsenate, or CCA; Copper Naphthenate, or CuN; 4,5-Dichloro-2-N-Octyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One, or DCOI; Creosote; and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate, or ACZA. See the publication Pole Principles - ...
What is penta used for?
Used extensively in treating Douglas fir poles, penta has achieved a long record of service performance and safe use.
Is a Western Red Cedar pole preservative treated?
But some Western Red Cedar poles may only have the butt, or lower portion of the pole, treated with preservatives.
What is CCA treated wood used for?
CCA-treated wood is used in marine facilities (pilings and structures), utility poles and cross arms, pilings for terrestrial and freshwater uses, commercial and agricultural construction (primarily foundations), and highway structures (such as bridge components, guardrails, and posts).
What is CCA preservative?
CCA preservative adds benefits to wood including proven efficacy, long product life, and low cost. In addition, the treated product is clean, dry, non-slippery, and paintable, low in odor, and has a pleasing appearance.
Is CCA banned by the EPA?
No. EPA never banned or threatened to ban CCA. The pesticide registration for CCA was modified as a result of a voluntary agreement reached in February 2002 between the registrants and EPA, in order to transition to a new generation of preservatives for most non-industrial applications.
Does the EPA recommend that existing soil be removed?
EPA is not recommending that existing structures or surrounding soils be removed or replaced. Further, EPA has not recommended that there is any need to take steps such as applying coatings to minimize exposure. ©2003-2018 Wood Preservative Science Council. All Rights Reserved.
Is chromated copper arsenate safe?
Yes. Seventy years of safe use and the body of sound scientific and medical evidence demonstrate that chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure treated wood is safe when used as recommended . The US EPA currently is re-evaluating CCA as part of a mandated reregistration process applicable to all pesticide products.
