The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released preliminary findings on Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA), a chemical mixture consisting of three pesticidal compounds (arsenic, chromium, and copper) registered for wood preservative uses. This follows public concern about the longterm health impact of treated wood in children’s outdoor play structures. The biggest risk is posed by hand-to-mouth contact with the treated wood. Concerned parents should ensure that children wash their hands after playing on arsenic treated wood.
Although a naturally occuring substance, Arsenic is a known carcinogen and is acutely toxic at certain levels. 90% of industrial arsenic in the United States is currently used as a wood preservative. The EPA is currently reassessing CCA as part of its ongoing reregistration program for older pesticides. Federal law directs EPA to periodically reevaluate older pesticides to ensure that they continue to meet current safety standards.
In 2002, manufacturers promised to phase out arsenic-treated woods for residential uses, including play sets, starting from January 2004.
