Is Copper Azole Treated Wood Safe

Micronized copper azole penetrates into and remains in pressure treated wood for a long time.

Is copper azole treated wood safe.

Pressure treated wood has gone through a process that uses high pressure to force a solution of water and preservative agents deep into the lumber to help extend its useful lifespan. The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary acq copper azole ca or micronized copper azole mca. Manufacturers are confident of course that these treatments pose no health or environmental problems. For help selecting the proper type of treated wood for any setting consider consulting the primary standard setting body for treated wood the american wood protection association awpa.

Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure treated wood. Studies have shown that arsenic from wood treated with cca leaches into the soil and that copper although much less toxic leaches from acq and copper boron azole cba a variant of ca b. Copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary treatments both contain a fungicide. The copper deters insects and the fungicide prevents soil rotting the lumber.

Copper azole is registered for a variety uses above and below ground as well as in freshwater and marine decking applications. Sally brown a research assistant professor of soils at the university of washington knows her way around both food and metals. Copper azole is a registered fungicide for treatment of wood. As with any fungicide treated materials the lumber should be handled with gloves as well as a dust mask when sawing sanding or machining the lumber.