Implications for the Future of Treated Wood in Four U.S. Demand Sectors

摘要

The U.S. treated wood industry is evolving as new products emerge, technology advances, and environmental concerns increase. The U.S. preservative-treated wood industry has come under close scrutiny recently due to allegations of adverse health consequences of humans as a result of exposure to chromium cooper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber. The U.S. preservative treated wood industry voluntarily agreed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to end the production of CCA-treated wood as ofDecember 31, 2003. In addition, the EPA released a draft preliminary probabilistic risk assessment for children who contact chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated playsets and decks. The EPA does not believe there is any reason to remove or replace CCA-treated structures, including decks and playground equipment. Nor is the EPA recommending surrounding soils be removed or replaced (EPA 2003).