6 Steps to Reduce Health Risks to Children from Treated Wood
We’ve previously informed readers of a family who discovered that their young son’s exposure to treated wood at home caused the development of Tourette syndrome tics.
A new government report underscores previous information shared by ACN Latitudes that wood playground equipment treated with chromated copper arsenic (CCA) is detrimental to health. CCA has been in use in almost all playsets, decks, and picnic tables for two decades. The wood industry agreed to stop using CCA in select consumer products in 2004 but no measure has been taken to remove or replace existing structures that still contain toxins.
The government is now warning that exposure to CCA in treated wood can result in increased risk of lung or bladder cancer. It has also been linked to immune dysfunction.
- Wash up.
- Keep children and pets from underneath decks.
- Avoid growing vegetables in beds lined with arsenic-treated wood.
- Place a tablecloth on picnic tables made of arsenic-treated wood to prevent food from taking up arsenic.
- Avoid pressure-washing arsenic-treated wood, and avoid using an acid deck wash or brightener that contains chlorine.
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
For more information on avoiding exposure to existing products with CCA see this site. If someone wants to remove a treated wood product they should contact local waste management.
