Arsenic in wood
Reduce your family's exposure

Put Some Space Between Your Kids and Arsenic-Treated Wood

You can take some straightforward and fairly simple steps to reduce or eliminate your family’s exposure to arsenic, such as:

● Seal any wood structures, especially ones you know to be arsenic-treated, with a double coat of nontoxic, nonslippery wood sealant, such as an oil-based stain. Do this at least every two years, but preferably every year.

● Do not eat directly on tables treated with arsenic—cover such tables with a tablecloth, preferably one that is coated to be non-permeable

● If children must be in contact with arsenic-treated wood, make sure they wash their hands afterward, particularly before eating.

● Ensure that during construction projects, children are not exposed to arsenic-treated wood or its dust.

● Do not use wood that shows signs of crystallization or resin on its exterior; use only clean pressure-treated wood.

● If sealed pressure-treated wood cracks, exposing the interior, immediately apply a double coat of wood sealant to the affected area.

● Try to use other products that are not pressure-treated, such as redwood, cedar, painted metal or recycled plastic.

Remember that even though CCA-treated wood is being phased out, the process will not be completed overnight. Lumber manufacturers have until January 2004. And even though major retailers like The Home Depot are working to eliminate CCA-treated wood from their stores well in advance of the deadline, it will be hard for you as a consumer to know for sure what wood is and isn’t safe.

Please consider ordering an arsenic testing kit to see if furniture or structures at your home pose a risk. To get more information on how to get an arsenic wipe test, send an e-mail to rochelle@generationgreen.org or call her at 800-652-0827.