Replies

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | Mar 02, 2001 05:45pm | #1

   *
   David - Why not use rubber treads to avoid wearing off treated wood particles, if you are concerned?

1. 
   Mad_Dog | Mar 02, 2001 06:02pm | #2

   *Dave, The sealer idea may or may not work, all I know is you'll need to let the thing dry out for a while before you do anything, most treated wood is pretty wet stuff to start with.MD

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Mar 03, 2001 12:16am | #3

   *the chemicals used in PT are not an airborne toxin..short of your kids chewing on them.. not much to worry about..b but hey, whadda i no ?

1. 
   David_Thomas | Mar 03, 2001 01:20am | #4

   *As Mike says, the compounds used to treat wood are not volatile - they do not get airborne (unless you are sanding the material). The most common PT wood product is CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) although Ammoniacal Copper Quat (ACQ), and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate (ACZA), creosote, and pentachlorophenol are also used.Copper is a potent biocide to microrganisms but humans use it in their pots and pipes without ill effects. I use trivalent arsenic in homemade ant poison, but the pentavalent arsenate used in CCA is less toxic and more prevalent in the environment. I know hexavalent Chromium is a big health concern in some smokestack emissions, I don't know what form the chromium in CCA is. I've dealt with pentachlorophenol and would suggest you minimize your exposure to it. For PT stair treads, I'd use a different PT product (such as CCA).The industry says that epidemiology studies of wood-treatment plant workers and carpenters show no increased risk of cancer as a result of exposure to preservative-treated wood. And you can always believe the statements of big business.They also say that water-borne preservatives (such as CCA) are recommended for treating playground equipment. A water-repellent or wood sealer may be applied periodically to reduce cracking and splitting and thus the likelihood of children getting splinters. Creosote- and penta-treated woods are not recommended for use in playground equipment.If the household members wear shoes to the basement, I would do nothing myself. If they run around barefoot, I'd carpet, lay rubber treads, or apply a wood sealer.If you get a PT splinter, could it ever get infected? If the stuff works, how could the microbes survive? -David

1. 
   Louis_Wilson | Mar 03, 2001 03:08am | #5

   *I would plan on sleeping like a baby tonight, I have used CCA material "hands-on" for over twenty years and I am still alive. Maybe it will catch up with me someday, like long after I am gone. Worry, worry, what me worry? I think you are okay on a relative scale of toxic threat.

2. 
   Dave_Magliacane | Mar 05, 2001 11:48pm | #6

   *Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate all the help! Dave

2. 
   David_Magliacane | Mar 05, 2001 11:48pm | #7

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   Because of a moisture problem in the cellar I recently rebuild a set of interior basement stairs with pressure treat lumber. My question is do I have to be concerned with toxins leaching from the CT into the Air? If so I could coat the treads with a sealer, but I don't want to do the extra work if it is not necessary. The moisture comes through a thin concrete slab and in heavy rains through parts of the laid up stone foundation.
   Any thoughts?
   Dave Magliacane