HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT | POSSIBLE EFFECTS |
---|---|
PENTHACHLOROPHENOL | Toxic to fetus and causes birth defects, toxic if inhaled, absorbed, or ingested |
CREOSOTE | Vapors cause eye and nasal irritation, it is a skin carcinogen and can be absorbed through the skin |
COPPER NAPHTHENATE | An eye, skin, and lung irritant, a possible carcinogen and affects the nervous system; combustible; harmful to aquatic life |
Wood preservatives are products containing pesticides which protect wood from pests and rot. Three widely used wood preservatives - creosote, inorganic arsenic compounds (CCA), and pentachlorophenol (penta) are highly toxic. In November 1986, the use of wood preservatives containing these compounds was restricted, which means that only licensed applicators can now purchase products containing these compounds.
Creosote and inorganic arsenic compounds have been shown to cause cancer in humans, pentachlorophenol in lab animals. In addition, creosote has been linked to genetic damage, inorganic arsenic compounds are related to both genetic damage and birth defects, and pentachlorophenol is associated with birth defects and fetal toxicity. The Environmental Protection Agency strongly suggests that homeowners leave work involving wood preservatives to professionals. If you have a deck, tables, or other furniture that are treated with one of these types of wood preservatives, EPA advises sealing it with at least two coats of shellac or other sealant. Currently when creosote or pentachlorophenol is used on wood intended for human contact, it must be coated with shellac or another sealant.
Use: Never burn treated wood in the fireplace; the fumes will be toxic. Special training is required to learn the proper precautions for applying wood preservatives that contain creosote, inorganic arsenic compounds, or pentachlorophenol.
Storage: Keep out of the reach of children. Store in well-ventilated area in a box lined with plastic bags. Carefully label the outside of the box with its contents.
Disposal: Wood preservatives that contain creosote inorganic arsenic compounds, or pentachlorophenol need to be disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste handler or through a professional household hazardous waste collection. There is no good means to safely dispose of leftover wood preservative short of getting rid of it by using it up as it was intended.