|
Questions and
Answers about the APVMA decision to place some restrictions on the future use of
CCA wood preservative
16/3/05
Why has the APVMA
restricted the future us of CCA?
The APVMA could not be satisfied that CCA treated structures used frequently
by the public were always entirely free of surface deposits of arsenic that
might inadvertently be transferred to the body by ingestion.
In view of the APVMA
decisions is CCA safe to touch?
There may be very small amounts of arsenic on the surfaces of some CCA-treated
timber structures, but as arsenic is not absorbed through the skin it would have
to be licked or sucked off the hands or any body parts that might make intimate
contact with the timber. This is why the APVMA viewed small children as the most
at-risk population, hence the restriction on CCA treatment of playground
equipment.
Is arsenic in treated
timber a danger to health?
Arsenic is the twentieth most common element in the earths crust and is
present in very small quantities in almost everything we eat and drink. The
APVMA has calculated that our normal, daily dietary intake of arsenic is 4.5
times more than any possible exposure through contact with CCA-treated timber
surfaces. Even when these two possible sources of arsenic are added together,
the total is three times less than the daily allowable amounts set by the World
Health Organisation.
Are existing CCA-treated
timber structures a danger to health?
The APVMA and other world regulatory bodies have said that existing
structures do not represent a health risk to the public and they may safely be
left in place.
What should I do
with my existing CCA-treated play set?
According to the APVMA, it is safe to use. However, if you would feel more
comfortable with some additional protection, you may coat it with a good surface
finish such as a polyurethane lacquer or paint system. The finish will have to
be maintained by re-coatng from time to time.
How should I dispose
of waste CCA-treated timber?
Small quantities waste CCA-treated timber can be disposed of together with
normal household garbage. Larger quantities may be disposed of at approved
landfill sites. No waste CCA-treated timber should be burned or used as barbecue
fuel.
back to News index
|
