Why the sudden concern about arsenic in CCA wood?
Arsenic is a known carcinogen and is more toxic than previously thought. Although it was recognized early on that people would be exposed to some amount of arsenic with the widespread use of CCA wood, the public health concern has escalated with the discovery thatarsenic is a far more potent skin, bladder, lung and kidney carcinogen than previously believed. Children can ingest (swallow) it. Recent studies have confirmed that high levels of arsenic can be released to childrens hands by direct contact with arsenic-treated wood. Children under 6 are particularly prone to hand-to-mouth activity. Children are more vulnerable than adults because their brains and bodies are still developing and changing. Children may be at greater risk from arsenic than adults because their livers metabolize it more slowly.
