Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)
Chromated copper arsenate is another wood treatment chemical. CCA preservative is used to protect wood from fungi, various insects, and marine creatures that bore into wood. The danger of CCA is that it contains arsenic – a highly poisonous metallic element. A known carcinogen, arsenic can also cause death in cases of high exposure.
Uses of Chromated Copper Arsenate
Chromated copper arsenate is commonly used to treat the wood for fences, decks, gazebos, and playground equipment. Children should not be exposed to recently treated wood, as the CCA compound may not be fully dried.
Health Effects Caused by Arsenic Poisoning
Below are some possible health effects of arsenic exposure:
- Lung cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin Cancer
- Liver Cancer
As a result of consumer concerns, the wood industry voluntarily agreed to remove CCA treated wood from the market and in 2004 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stopped allowing CCA treated wood for residential uses.
Filing a Lawsuit
Although CCA wood is no longer distributed for consumer use, there are existing buildings and structures that contain this potentially dangerous chemical. If you or a loved one was exposed to CCA, contact a chemical exposure lawyer to learn more about your legal rights!
