Copper Azole Treated Wood Safety

Material safety information copper azole treated wood products page.

Copper azole treated wood safety.

Pressure treated wood has gone through a process that uses high pressure to force a solution of water and preservative agents deep into the lumber to help extend its useful lifespan. Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure treated wood. However some preservative may migrate from the pressure treated wood into surrounding soil over time and there may be incidental contact with skin during construction or use. Copper azole preservative penetrates into and remains in pressure treated wood for a long time.

Copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary treatments both contain a fungicide. The copper deters insects and the fungicide prevents soil rotting the lumber. Studies have shown that arsenic from wood treated with cca leaches into the soil and that copper although much less toxic leaches from acq and copper boron azole cba a variant of ca b. Manufacturers are confident of course that these treatments pose no health or environmental problems.

Micronized copper azole penetrates into and remains in pressure treated wood for a long time. 3 of 4 date of issue. Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure treated wood. Is acq and ca pressure treated lumber safe.

Sally brown a research assistant professor of soils at the university of washington knows her way around both food and metals.