How is CCA-Treated Wood Made?
Simply put, CCA-treated wood is created when air and water are removed from the wood cells and replaced with a solution that contains chromium, copper and arsenic. Problems With CCA-Treated Wood CCA-treated wood causes a variety of problems for people, animals and the environment. CCA is a carcinogen. Arsenic is both poisonous and a carcinogen. Arsenic can be released from CCA-treated wood in various ways including when the wood is burned, when it is sawed or sanded, through direct contact and when acid (i.e. acid rain, acid deck washes etc.) comes in contact with the treated wood. Among other things, copper and chromium can poison plants and aquatic life. Studies have shown that arsenic, chromium and copper leaches from CCA-treated wood. Soil beneath decks made from this toxic wood has elevated levels of arsenic, copper and chromium. According to an article on the Canadian Medical Association Journal’s website, Health Canada, in the early 1990s, “…found arsenic around 10 play struct
