Detecting Chromated Copper Arsenic in Pressure
Treated Wood
There is a growing trend to ban the use of wood preserving agents containing
Chromated Copper Arsenic (CCA). These are no longer welcome in playground
structures due to potential negative health effects associated with arsenic.
Health Canada is currently reviewing the use of CCA as a wood-preserving
agent.
Aeon Management will inspect and test play equipment (generally in playgrounds
or parks ) for arsenic levels which can come into contact with skin and
ingested, using cost-effective on site sampling techniques. Our reports
outline findings and propose corrective action.
This service measure residual arsenic on CCA wood structures with on-site
wipe sampling and testing using field portable X-ray flourescense and
comparison of measured values with other risk-based standards for arsenic.
AEON will also measure residual arsenic in soil surrounding the pressure
treated wood equipment and compare with Ontario Ministry of the Environment
standards.
Wood preserving agents containing Chromated Copper Arsenic (CCA) are
no longer welcome in playground structures due to potential negative
health effects associated with arsenic. Health Canada is currently reviewing
the use of CCA as a wood-preserving agent. The Sierra Club of Canada
released a report on an investigation of a complaint by an Ottawa woman
that she and her child had been exposed to arsenic and chromium from
a CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) wood in their newly constructed deck.
Samples of the wood, pooled water on the deck, and sap that had oozed
from the deck showed high levels of arsenic and chromium.
