Q.   Is CCA-treated timber safe for playground equipment, decking, patios, etc.?

A.   CCA consists of copper (mainly to prevent decay), arsenic (mainly to prevent termite and insect damage), and chromium (to ensure the other two chemicals react with the wood structure, becoming "fixed" for life within the timber). Thus, there is very little free or unfixed chemicals in or on the treated timber when the preservation process has been properly carried out.

CCA may not be used to treat timber intended for use as garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and other domestic decking boards, and handrails, where there is a likelihood of direct skin contact. Note however that studies have shown that ingestion of arsenic from these structures is low and poses no health risk (http://www.tpaa.com.au/files/position_cca_timber.pdf). Thus, existing CCA-treated structures like playgrounds do not have to be replaced or removed.

If necessary a surface coating of paint or varnish may be applied to treated playground equipment, decking, etc. This provides protection from direct contact, if you are worried, and reduces cracking and splitting and thus the likelihood of picking up splinters. You should regularly maintain any coating you have applied.

back to questions