Warning on CCA Wood


Subject: NH DHHS advisory regarding CCA-treated wood
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 23:19:07 EST
State of New Hampshire
Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Community and Public Health
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301-6527
603-271-4664
February 8, 2002
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing to you regarding recent information connecting potential
exposure to hazardous substances with certain pressure treated wood products.
Specifically, the US EPA has recently published a December 2001 report that
documents concerns about children coming into contact with arsenic and
chromium that is present in some of these wood products. This product, known
as CCA-treated wood, can be found in many exterior products including decks,
playgrounds, picnic tables, and raised garden beds. CCA-treated products can
be identified by the green color of the wood itself.
According to the EPA, there is little danger of exposure from CCA-treated
wood if it is properly sealed but, without sealants, it is possible for
children to come into direct contact with arsenic and chromium. For this
reason the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that
individuals, organizations, and local communities follow these protective
actions in regard to the use of CCA-treated materials:
Do not use CCA-treated wood or wood products in construction projects where
children can come in direct contact with the material.
For construction projects expected to result in direct contact with children,
or food of any kind including raised vegetable garden beds, the EPA and DHHS
recommend alternative materials such as recycled plastic, steel, concrete, or
untreated wood. Untreated wood such as redwood or cedar has natural
pesticide qualities, making chemical treatments unnecessary.
Do not demolish CCA-treated wood structures with remaining useful life;
rather, seal them with a non-slippery sealant such as an oil-based stain,
then re-seal every two years.
Do dispose of CCA-treated wood in compliance with the recommendations of the
Department of Environmental Services. Open burning of CCA-treated wood is
illegal anywhere in the State (e.g., outdoor fireplaces, brush piles, or
campfires). Also, CCA-treated wood should not be used as mulch, compost, or
wood chip fuel. CCA-treated wood may be legally disposed of in a
double-lined landfill.
Do inspect playgrounds, including school settings, municipal parks, or
religious institutions for CCA-treated wood. If there is CCA-treated wood in
the playground, it should be sealed as above, then re-sealed every two years.
CCA products so maintained should not pose a risk to children. Remember
that CCA-treated products can be identified by the green color of the wood
itself.
Parents who have specific health concerns are advised to contact their
child's health care provider. A letter from the Department's medical
director will be sent to all pediatricians and family practice physicians in
the state advising them of this issue.
By following the above recommendations you will be helping to keep children
safe from unnecessary exposure to harmful materials. A DHHS pamphlet
containing additional information about CCA products is included with this
letter. For further information on the health risks and recommended control
strategies please contact Mr. Dennis Pinski at 271-4664. Questions
concerning the proper disposal methods for CCA-treated material should be
addressed to the Solid Waste Management Bureau, Department of Environmental
Services, at 271-2925.
Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Dunn, MPH
Director