April 2003
EPA Finalizes Voluntary Cancellation of Residential CCA-Treated Wood
On March 17, EPA granted the voluntary cancellation and use termination requests affecting most residential uses of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood. Under this action, affected CCA
products cannot be used after Dec. 30, 2003 to treat lumber intended for use in most residential settings. This transition affects virtually all residential uses of wood treated with CCA, including play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios and walkways/boardwalks.
Phase-out of the residential uses will reduce the potential exposure to arsenic, a known human carcinogen. The current action follows up on the February 2002 publication of a notice of receipt of voluntary cancellation/use termination registrant requests, which also provided an opportunity for public comments to be submitted to EPA. A notice of the cancellation order will be published shortly in the Federal Register, and that document will include the Agency's response to comments. Consumers may continue to buy and use the treated CCA wood for as long as it is available. The Agency is deferring any action on two uses involved in the termination requests, therefore wood used in permanent wood foundations and fence posts for agricultural uses may continue to be treated with CCA at this time. More information on CCA is available at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/1file.htm (EPA OPP Pesticide Program Update, 3/20/03).
