I just finished a set of exterior stairs for a client. Lumber was all treated SYP obtained from local yard (stored outside but under cover so it was damp). About 10 days ago, I staged all the lumber 4×4, 2×12, 2×6, etc. directly on the floor of their antique barn where it sat for about 3 days. This is a working antique barn full of goats and chickens. Flooring is ~100 yr old, unfinished pine, maybe hemlock.
After finishing the job, I was sweeping up and noticed a white stain on the floor where the lumber was stacked, looked like salt stains from road slush. The stain was a perfect outline of the lumber, so I am sure the wood is the source. I’ve never seen PT leave white residue. I do not believe the wood was borate treated, and was wondering if anyone knew whether or not this stuff might be toxic enough to warrant cleaning up?
I plan to talk with the yard guys on Monday but wanted to throw this out there in the meantime. Thoughts?
Thanks, Red Hen
Replies
Don't worry - the EPA has assured us that the PT lumber that is currently available is 100% safe for human consumption :-) Need some steak sauce with that 2x6?
Yeah,m thanks to Sancho Ron and his buddies in Calif, we can eat it and it won't hurt us, but it's hell on nails.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Yeah, I convinced the client that stainless was the way to go. $105 for a box of 1,000 for the Paslode!