Every day, we are exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins. A multitude of commonly used chemicals contaminate our air and are contained in the products we use. Have you ever considered they may be causing headaches, arthritis, depression, children’s learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, memory loss, anemia, Parkinson’s disease asthma, allergies and the ever-escalating percentages of cancer statistics. Many of these health problems can be prevented.

Often times we know what is causing our illness but deny our sixth sense. We ignore inner warnings that tell us chemicals, mold, certain foods and our environments are responsible.

We have learned how to cope with the effects because we have been told that the products are safe. If we complain, others may label us as being weird. Who are we to contradict the manufacturers’ claims of safety? Our doctors are not familiar or trained to treat environmentally induced illnesses. Many of us are brushed off and diagnosed with “depression”, “stress”, or “allergy”. Finally, it is easier to deny these reactions than to deal with the many aspects of trying to fix the problems.

One of the more dangerous chemical combinations is CCA (copper/ chromium/ arsenic) treated wood. Eating, breathing or absorbing these chemicals can cause serious health effects. While recent publicity primarily identified arsenic as the primary culprit, there are other dangers to being exposed to CCA wood.
     Arsenic - may cause cancer
     Chromium - may cause lung cancer, nosebleeds, skin ulcers, redness, swelling, rashes, allergic reactions, kidney and liver damage
     Copper - excess quantities can replace iron in the bloodstream and cause iron deficiency anemia that is not easily detected if ferritin iron levels are not checked.

Not all harm to human health is immediate as evidenced by the incubation periods for asbestosis, cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, so called “clinical depression” and many other diseases. Most people mistakenly believe that if they do not have an immediate onset of illness, the chemicals are not affecting them. Nothing could be further from the truth

Many who purchased CCA wood did not know about the health effects and dangers until recently. Fence and lumber companies made false safety claims that were relied upon until publicity and legislation brought the problems to light. Complaints from consumers included asthmatic conditions, breathing difficulties, vascular and skin disorders, cancer, memory loss and numerous other health conditions. The vapors from creosote in treated wood can travel, as do the copper, chromium and arsenic. Arsenic is deposited in the soil below CCA structures. A phase-out of CCA wood is currently in effect for most uses.

We are also exposed to the CCA toxins by breathing their vapors. They travel low due to their heaviness and can enter your home through the tiniest of openings. While breathing the vapors is very dangerous, when the vapors are heated or burned they are even more deadly. Other problems occur when CCA comes into contact with zinc or aluminum or certain types of mold. Skin absorption and ingestion of the chemicals is obvious when considering the many children who crawl on wood treated decks and then eat finger foods or put their fingers in their mouth without washing their hands.

The EPA says there are concerns and is still investigating health effects. Congress has not yet determined how to handle this situation. While they are gathering information and seeking ways to make it economically feasible to dispose of CCA, here are some ways that you can protect yourself and your family:

1. If possible, remove all treated wood from your home and yard and dispose of it safely Contact appropriate state and local agencies regarding disposal.
2. DO NOT BURN IT AS IT PRODUCES DANGEROUS ARSENIC VAPORS and the chromium and copper become concentrated in the ash.
3. Do not saw or chip treated wood. This greatly increases risk of exposure to the CCA chemicals.
4. If not possible to remove it, use a safe sealer, annually. Two coats of polyurethane has been recommended - do not sand, scrape or use any wood washes. EPA and PMRA also recommend penetratable oil stains (two coats every year or two) however no studies have been conducted on health effects of oil stains to children
5. Do not plant a food garden (even tomato plants) anywhere near treated wood as the arsenic leaches into the soil and accumulates into the plants. You are then eating vegetables that are laced with arsenic and other chemical compounds.