The Risks of CCA-Treated Wood for Children and Outdoor Use

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The Risks of CCA-Treated Wood for Children and Outdoor Use

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)-treated wood has been widely used since the 1960s as a preservative to protect wood from termites, fungi, and decay. This treatment involves infusing wood with a solution containing chromium, copper, and arsenic. While effective for preservation, CCA-treated wood poses significant health and environmental risks, particularly for children and in outdoor settings.

Health Risks from CCA-Treated Wood

The primary concern with CCA-treated wood is the presence of arsenic, a toxic and carcinogenic element. Arsenic can leach from the wood surface onto the skin or into surrounding soil. Children are especially vulnerable because they frequently engage in hand-to-mouth behaviors, increasing the risk of ingesting arsenic residues after touching the wood[1].

Exposure to arsenic from CCA-treated wood can cause skin irritation such as redness and swelling. More serious long-term health effects from chronic low-level ingestion include hair loss, skin thickening or darkening, and an increased risk of cancers, including skin, bladder, liver, and lung cancers[1]. The risk is compounded when children play on or near CCA-treated structures like playground equipment, decks, or picnic tables, where arsenic residues can accumulate on their hands and in the soil beneath these structures.

Environmental and Soil Contamination

Using CCA-treated wood in garden beds or landscaping can lead to the leaching of arsenic, chromium, and copper into the soil. Plants, especially root vegetables, can absorb these chemicals, potentially leading to ingestion of contaminated produce if not properly washed[1]. Additionally, burning or chipping CCA-treated wood releases toxic compounds, which should be strictly avoided to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.

Why Children Are at Higher Risk

Children’s natural behaviors, including frequent hand-to-mouth activity and playing close to the ground, increase their exposure risk. The arsenic residues on the wood surface or in contaminated soil can easily be ingested or absorbed through minor skin abrasions. Moreover, children’s developing bodies are more susceptible to the toxic effects of arsenic and other chemicals present in CCA-treated wood[1].

Regulatory Actions and Recommendations

Due to these risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of CCA-treated wood for residential applications such as decks, playground equipment, picnic tables, and landscaping timbers after December 31, 2003. However, many existing structures still contain CCA-treated wood, meaning exposure risks persist.

Authorities recommend several precautions to minimize exposure:

  • Avoid using CCA-treated wood for garden beds, especially where food crops are grown, or use plastic liners to prevent soil contact.
  • Do not burn or chip CCA-treated wood to prevent release of toxic chemicals.
  • Seal existing CCA-treated wood structures with weather-resistant coatings every 1–2 years to reduce arsenic leaching.
  • Ensure children wash their hands thoroughly after playing on or near CCA-treated wood.
  • Prevent children and pets from playing in soil under or near CCA-treated structures.
  • Avoid using CCA-treated wood for items that come into direct contact with food, such as cutting boards or picnic tables.

Conclusion

While CCA-treated wood was once a popular and effective wood preservative, its arsenic content poses significant health risks, especially to children and in outdoor environments where exposure is frequent. Awareness and precautionary measures are essential to reduce these risks, and safer alternatives should be used for new outdoor wood constructions.

By understanding the dangers of CCA-treated wood and following recommended safety guidelines, families and communities can better protect children and the environment from its harmful effects[1].

[1] https://npic.orst.edu/faq/cca.html
[2] https://www.elcosh.org/document/1391/d000464/Wood+Worries.html
[3] https://www.woodpreservativescience.org/safety-playgrounds-decks.shtml

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