Consumer Information Sheet
Inorganic Arsenical Pressure-Treated Wood

(Including ACA, and ACZA) 

Consumer Information

This wood has been preserved by pressure-treatment with an EPA-registered pesticide containing inorganic arsenic to protect it from insect attack and decay. Wood treated with inorganic arsenic should be used only where such protection is important. 

Inorganic arsenic penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure-treated wood for a long time. Exposure to inorganic arsenic may present certain hazards. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken both when handling the treated wood and in determining where to use or dispose of the treated wood. 

Use site precautions 

Wood pressure-treated with waterborne arsenical preservatives may be used inside residences as long as all sawdust and construction debris are cleaned up and disposed of after construction. 

Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed. Examples of such sites would be structures or containers for storing silage or food. 

Do not use treated wood for cutting-boards or countertops. 

Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks and walkways. 

Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives which may come in contact with the honey. 

Treated wood should not be used where it may come into direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges. 

Handling precautions 

Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection or burial. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes. Treated wood from commercial or industrial use (e.g., construction sites) may be burned only in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and Federal regulations. 

Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated wood. When sawing and machining treated wood, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of airborne sawdust from treated wood. 

When power-sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles. 

After working with the wood, and before eating, drinking, and use of tobacco products, wash exposed areas thoroughly. 

If preservatives or sawdust accumulate on clothes, launder before reuse. Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing. 

Approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 8/87 

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