Does the preservative dislodge from CCA-treated wood?
The ability to dislodge depends on many factors, including wood species, treatment variables, fixation schedules, retention, age in service, and the environment in which it is installed. If the preservative is not properly fixed to the wood, there is a greater potential for the preservative to dislodge. Typical dislodging losses that may occur in various environments are currently being assessed as part of the official re-evaluation of CCA. Some studies found small amounts of copper, chromium and arsenic dislodged from CCA-treated wood used in playground structures. Any possible health risk of these levels is currently being assessed as part of the official re-evaluation of CCA. Loss of preservatives from treated wood can be minimized when the wood is free of surface debris and is “fixed” according to a voluntary standard developed by the Canadian Standards Association.
