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Company

(lncluding number d featiry planb)

Annual Production (ml€bqs'cf H.rttl'r,'

20

Allweatherl$ilodTrs&ig','

Washougal, Wa,

4 dants: Wastnugal, Fendale, Wa.; Fort Collins, Co.; Medlord, Or.

2$ , El$erior,Wood lnc, Washougal, Wa.

1 plant Washougal

'Pacific Wood P,reserving Corp. Eloy, Az.

2 planti: Eloy; Bakenfield, C&,'','',''

(4 cylinders)

WJ.H. Baxter San Mabo, Ca.

4 plants: Long Beach, Weed, Ca,; Eugene, O. ; Arlirgton, Wa. (l2qtneu)

Wdern Woad, Preserving Co. Sumner, Wa.'i"' ,:,,

1 dani: Sumner {a cyfinden) ' ccA FRT Creosde , Boralgg

THE WOOD preserving indusrry, to a certain extent. is an "invisible industry" because distributors and users generally are not aware of CCA treated products' long history of scientific testing, commercial use and proven performance.

The situation creates easy entry into the marketplace by competitors touting unsubstantiated claims about their products. Beware of any long term performance claims made by the manufacturers of new building products that only have a few years of field testing or only limited commercial use. In many cases, their claims are muted by disclaimers in the fine print on product literature.

CCA's low-key background also allows the dissemination of alarmist information about treated wood without supporting valid scientific data.

And that's why it's important that everyone involved with building products be able to answer the most commonly asked questions about CCA pressure treated wood.

Q *t use pressure treated lumber?

A Wooa is a plentiful and economical building material, but, untreated, it is subject to attack by insects, microorganisms and fungal decay. Pressure treated wood is protected from these natural predators, ensuring it will last longer. a Aren't chemically treated products dangerous to use in and around the house?

Q Wlut is pressure treatment?

A P."rrurc treatment is a process by which a chemical preservative (chromated copper arsenate) is forced deep into the wood's cells in a closed cylinder. Following treatment, the preservatives are "fixed" into the wood and resist leaching into surrounding soil or water. CCA is used to produce lumber that is clean, odorless and environmentally safe to use as recommended around people, pets and plants.

A Rft", extensive review during the 1980s, the EPA concluded that CCA treated wood did not pose an unreasonable risk to children or adults. either from direct contact with the wood or from contact with surrounding soil where some releases may have occurred. The EPA has not identified any significant health con- cerns from short- or long-term exposure to arsenic residue from pressure treated wood. a Where should pressure treated wood be used?

A fnr wood can be used outdoors wherever wood building components require resistance to termites and fungal decay in decks, fences, gazebos, playground equipment, docks, marinas, utility poles, mine shafts, bridges, agricultural stakes, raised garden beds, landscape, agricultural uses and a host of other applications.

Q ft it safe for children to play on playground equipment and decks made of treated wood?

A CCe ffeated wood is widely used for playground equipment. Tests show negligible risk that children who lick their hands after playing on pressure treated wood playground equipment would be exposing themselves to any carcinogenic risk.

A water repellent or wood sealer for pressure treated lumber may be applied periodically to reduce cracking and splitting of wood and the likelihood of children getting splinters.

Q Do"rn', treated wood emit vapors or fumes and that's whv it's banned from indoor use?

A Treated wood does not emit vapors or fumes and may be used indoors for all applications where protection against termites and fungal decay is needed. It should not be used for countertops or cutting boards.

Q Ho* can I use treated wood for a picnic table, if I can't use it for a countertop?

A N"ith", treated or untreated wood is recommended for countertops, but treated wood picnic tables are fine because picnic tables are primarily practices for handling treated or untreated wood. Inhalation of sawdust can cause nose and throat irritation. Protecting your eyes from any foreign matter is advisable. Wearing gloves provides extra protection against splinters, and good personal hygiene should be practiced in the shop and on the job. Hands should be washed after handling any type of wood or after doing any type of construction work. tact with the honey, or structures or containers for storing silage. involved with building products be able to answer the most commonly asked questions about CCA pressure treated wood. a Can treated products be used around gardens? used for serving prepared food while a countertop is used primarily as a cutting surface for raw food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recommend any wood for use as a cutting surface since food particles are likely to be embedded in its porous surface, encouraging bacterial growth.

Q Ho* should I dispose of treated wood?

After a review, the EPA determined that the benefits of pressure treated wood products outweighed any potential risks. The nation's wocd preserving industry agreed to undertake a voluntary Consumer Awareness Program to apprise consumers that Consumer Information Sheets, similar to manufacturers' instructions on hundreds of other products, are available. CIS have been available at retail outlets and from manufacturers since 1986.

Q SnoutA treated products be kept away from food and water?

A en treated wood should be disposed of by ordinary trash collection or burial. If burned, toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the ashes. Industrial users may dispose of treated wood in commercial or industrial incinerators in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Q Oo the chemicals leach out of the wood?

A A unique process occurs with pressure treated wood during and after the pressure treating process which fixes the chemical preservative so it is virtually insoluble. Leaching is negligible and the finished product does not pose a threat to people, pets or plants when used as recommended.

Q Oo"r pressure treated wood cause cancer?

A CCe fteated wood has never been shown to cause cancer in humans nor has it been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. In fact, epidemiology studies of treating plant workers and carpenters show no increased risk of cancer as a result of exposure to the preservative treated wood.

Q *" Consumer Information Sheet says I need to wear a dust mask and other protective apparel when sawing treated wood and that I should wash my hands and clothing after use. Does this mean handline the wood is dangerous?

A fn" guidelines posed in the CIS reflect common sense and good safety

A 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. Do not use treated wood for countertops, cutting boards, those portions of beehives which come in con-

A P."rru." treated wood is perfectly suitable for building raised beds, terraced gardens, grape or tomato stakes, flower bed edging, planters, retaining walls, trellises, arbors, garden furniture and compost bins.

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