Is Copper Azole Treated Wood Safe

Micronized copper or copper azole treatment of wood is the modern replacement for chromiated copper arsenic treatment.

Is copper azole treated wood safe.

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. 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. Sally brown a research assistant professor of soils at the university of washington knows her way around both food and metals. As with any fungicide treated materials the lumber should be handled with gloves as well as a dust mask when sawing sanding or machining the lumber.

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 and alkaline copper quaternary treatments both contain a fungicide. Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure treated wood. The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary acq copper azole ca or micronized copper azole mca.

The copper deters insects and the fungicide prevents soil rotting the lumber. Copper azole is registered for a variety uses above and below ground as well as in freshwater and marine decking applications. Micronized copper azole penetrates into and remains in pressure treated wood for a long time. Is acq and ca pressure treated lumber safe.