Is it safe for our children to play in playgrounds where treated wood has been used to construct fences and playground equipment, and is it safe to walk barefoot on pressure-treated backyard decking?
. Water-borne preservatives are recommended for treating playground equipment. There is no reason to avoid using wood treated with a water-borne preservative in the playground environment, or to avoid touching or walking barefoot on pressure-treated backyard decks. In fact, wood that has been pressure treated is safe and widely used for playground equipment and decking. A water-repellent or wood sealer may be applied periodically to reduce cracking and splitting and thus the likelihood of children getting splinters. Creosote and penta-treated woods are not recommended for use in playground equipment.
A. Water-borne preservatives are recommended for treating playground equipment. There is no reason to avoid using wood treated with a water-borne preservative in the playground environment, or to avoid touching or walking barefoot on pressure-treated backyard decks. In fact, wood that has been pressure treated is safe and widely used for playground equipment and decking. A water-repellent or wood sealer may be applied periodically to reduce cracking and splitting and thus the likelihood of children getting splinters. Creosote and penta-treated woods are not recommended for use in playground equipment.
Related Questions
- Is it safe for our children to play in playgrounds where treated wood has been used to construct fences and playground equipment, and is it safe to walk barefoot on pressure-treated backyard decking?
- Does treated wood used in above ground applications such as play structures and fences dislodge more preservative when it is wet, such as after a rainfall?
- We really like the colours of the Wood Protector range and would like to use them on our children’s play equipment. Are the wood stains safe for children?
