Important Information
Inorganic Arsenical Pressure-Treated Timber (includes CCA)
Timber treated with inorganic arsenic should be used only where such protection is important. Inorganic arsenic penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure-treated timber for a long time. However, some chemical may migrate from treated wood into surrounding soil over time and may also be dislodged from the timber surface upon contact with skin. Exposure to inorganic arsenic may present certain hazards.
Therefore, the following precautions should be taken both when handling the treated timber and in determining where to use or dispose of the treated timber.
- Do not burn preserved timber.
- Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding timber.
- Wear gloves when working with timber.
- Some preservative may migrate from the treated timber into soil/water or may dislodge from the treated timber surface upon contact with skin. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
- All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after construction.
- Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing.
- Preserved timber should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh water docks and bridges.
- Do not use preserved timber under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food, animal feed, or beehives.
- Do not use preserved timber as mulch.
- Only preserved timber that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
- If the timber is to be used in an interior application and becomes wet during construction, it should be allowed to dry before being covered or enclosed.
- Disposal Recommendations: Preserved timber may be disposed of in landfills or burned in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
If you desire to apply a paint, stain, clear water repellent, or other finish to your preservative treated timber, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions and label of the finishing product.
Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing product to a small exposed test area before finishing the entire project to ensure it provides the intended result before proceeding.
Mould growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including untreated and treated timber, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions.
To remove mould from the treated timber surface, timber should be allowed to dry. Typically, mild soap and water can be used to remove remaining surface mould.
- Projects should be designed approved and installed in accordance with federal, state and local regulations governing construction in your area.
- Koppers Performance Chemicals does not manufacture or produce treated wood products. For Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the actual treated wood product(s), contact the wood product manufacturer or merchant where the treated wood product was purchased.
