Ban Prohibits Using Pressure-Treated Wood in Landscape Construction

By Jodie Carter, regional editor

The environmental protection agency (EPA) no longer permits landscape construction using pressure-treated wood containing arsenic?EUR??,,????'??+a known carcinogen that can cause increased risk of cancer with prolonged, repeated exposure. The ban went into effect on Dec. 31, 2003.

According to a press release from the EPA, the ban is the result of voluntary decision within the industry. The ban will apply to al most all residential applications built with wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). In use since the 1940s, CCA is a wood preservative known to contain inorganic arsenic, copper and chromium.

CCA treated wood is typically used to build play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, fencing, patios, and walkways. At press time, the EPA had not designated the removal or replacement of existing CCA-treated structures.

The ban should reduce almost all residential uses of CCA-treated wood within two years, according to Christie Whitman, EPA administrator. Untreated woods, and substitute products made from metal, plastic, and recycled composite materials are safe options. Many manufacturers are developing new wood preservative products that are free of arsenic and other hazardous chemicals.