Posted by deborah (64.230.6.76) on March 08, 2003 at 13:50:26:
In Reply to: Use of Copper Azole to pressure treat wood and its safety to the public and the enviornment posted by Harry Hakim, BPHE on March 08, 2003 at 12:10:37:
: Are there any tests that have been performed and documented about the use of CA in pressure treating wood? Does it meet or exceed safety standards American or Canadian re requirements of the PMRA (pest management regulatory authority? If so, where can I get supporting documentation.
Hi Harry,
To be quite on honest with you I have not studied the issue of any of the copper treatments, besides cca, apart from the fact that they are very bad when used in aquatic conditions. Judith Wies has done many studies, as have others showing the leaching of copper into the environment when used in docks etc. The references are available on my news section. Copper treatments are even more dangerous than CCA in these conditions and that fact needs to get out there.
I actually do not vouch for the safety of any alternative because I have not researched them but merely offer the sites for people to check out themselves.
However the University of Florida has done many studies on alternatives and you can check out what they have discovered here.
http://www.ccaresearch.org/
With that said, copper is a neurotoxin and any unprotected sawing or drilling or contact with wet wood should be greatly avoided.
Also the case of cca wood speaks volumes about how much you can rely on government certification.
I will contact both government offices, Canadian and American and post their response to your question as soon as it arrives.
Take care and please keep safe.
Deborah