What are the chemicals used to preserve wood?
In Missouri, most of the wood available at lumberyards is treated with a 5 percent pentachloraphenol (“penta” for short) light oil solution. Another material coming into the market is chrome copper arsenate (CCA). CCA probably will become a larger portion of the market in time. Why use treated wood at all? Treated wood is used to prevent wood decay or attack by certain wood-destroying insects such as termites. Is all wood used in a structure subject to decay or termite attack? No, only those wood parts that are exposed to a continuous source of moisture are subject to decay. Wood parts that are close to the ground line are in danger of termite attack in Missouri. What are some examples of wood parts that are in danger of decay if they are not treated? Any wood in contact with the soil will absorb water and eventually decay if it is not treated. This includes wood poles, wood posts, stair stringers and any other wood members in contact with the soil. What are some examples of wood parts
