Why is there concern about pressure treated lumber?
“An arsenic compound is what provides insect and rot resistance in nearly all pressure treated lumber. There is risk of absorption through the skin from handling but the more far reaching hazard is arsenic leaching into surrounding soil and subsequent runoff. Manufacturers and the EPA are phasing out use of chromium copper arsenate over 2 to 3 years. They recommend painting or coating existing structures with sealant on a regular basis. Topical coatings, however, do poorly on horizontal surfaces like deck flooring. We expect the industry to respond with specific products for this need. To date, a urethane UV protectorant is the only product we find suitable for deck floors.
