How is CCA used?
CCA is injected into wood by a process that uses high pressure to saturate wood products with the chemical. Only people who have received the proper safety training should use CCA to treat wood products. CCA is intended to protect wood from dry rot, fungi, molds, termites, and other pests that can threaten the integrity of wood products. CCA-treated wood is most commonly used in outdoor settings. Around the home, CCA-treated wood is commonly used for decks, walkways, fences, gazebos, boat docks, and playground equipment. Other common uses of CCA-treated wood include highway noise barriers, sign posts, utility posts, and retaining walls. On February 12, 2002, EPA announced a voluntary decision by industry to move consumer use of treated lumber products away from CCA pressure-treated wood by December 31, 2003, in favor of new alternative wood preservatives. As of January 1, 2004, EPA will not allow CCA products to be used to treat wood intended for most residential settings. For more inf
