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P.O. Box 1324 Meridian, Idaho 83680 Phone and Fax: 888.NADRA4U (888.623.7248) |
STUDIES PROVIDE PUBLIC WITH UPDATED INFORMATION ON CCA-TREATED
PLAYGROUND AND DECKS EPA Media Contact: Enesta Jones, 202-564-4355, CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, 301-504-7908
EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are providing
updated information on the effectiveness of sealants and stains in
reducing potential exposure to arsenic from chromated copper arsenate
(CCA)-treated wood used in residential settings. For homeowners and
others who want to reduce their potential arsenic exposure from their
decks or other CCA-treated wood structures, new studies show that use,
at least once a year, of an oil-or water-based, penetrating sealant or
stain can reduce arsenic migrating from the treated wood. The data show
that oil- or water-based sealants or stains that can penetrate wood
surfaces are preferable to products such as paint, because paints and
other film-formers can chip or flake, requiring scraping or sanding for
removal, which can increase exposure to arsenic. Consumers should
consider the required preparation steps (e.g., sanding, power washing,
etc.) before selecting a product to minimize potential exposure to
arsenic, both for initial application and re-coating.
This information is based on first-year results from two-year studies
initiated by CPSC and EPA in 2003 to determine which stains, sealants
and paints are most effective in reducing potential arsenic exposure
from existing CCA-treated structures. EPA tested the performance of 12
coatings on older wood and CPSC tested eight coatings (seven were the
same as the EPA group) on new (as of August 2003) CCA-treated wood. CCA
was a pesticide treatment commonly used in the past to prevent deck and
playground wood from rotting and insect damage. Effective Dec. 31, 2003,
the use of CCA to treat virtually all wood intended for residential use
was eliminated. More information for consumers and the sealant studies
are available on EPA's Web site: http://www.epa.gov/
and on CPSC's Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov/
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