Copper Chrome Arsenic (CCA) treated timber

While wood is the most sustainable building material around and can survive for centuries under the right conditions, many common timbers are at risk of damage from insect attack, moisture and decay.

Problems usually aren’t easy to spot and can be extremely costly and difficult to fix.

Naturally, durable timber species are often expensive and can be hard to source.

Treated timber is more affordable and deals effectively with common risks: the cost increase is minuscule compared to repairing the damage. Borers, damp and natural decay are the main threats treated timber can combat.

The CCA process was pioneered in 1933 and is used worldwide. Copper and arsenic in the preservative protect the wood from insect and fungal attack. Chromium (chrome) ‘locks’ the copper and arsenic into the timber and reduces the risk of the chemicals leaching out. The CCA process gives the treated wood a green tint.

Food for thought

The main concern with CCA-treated timber is that it contains arsenic, which can be ingested (swallowed) or inhaled (when CCA-treated timber is burnt). Over time, small amounts of chemicals may leach from CCA-treated timber, but research has found that the amount of leached arsenic is less than that found in common foods.

Since the general population is exposed to naturally occurring arsenic in soil, water and food, the human body can tolerate small amounts of arsenic.

• CCA-treated timber should not be used to build children’s play equipment, new garden furniture, exterior seating or picnic tables.
• As a precaution, you should limit possible exposure to CCA-treated timber chemicals – especially for young children.
• Never burn CCA-treated timber in fireplaces, barbeques, wood stoves or any wood fire.
• After a bushfire, keep children and pets away from the CCA-treated timber ash until it is removed, and follow safety precautions for clean up.

What SLM offers

SLM specialises in the treatment of pine and offers Treated (CCA) H2 and H3 respectively.

H2 - Interior application above ground, eg. flooring, mouldings & ceilings effective for the treatment against bores & termites.
H3 - Exterior application above ground, eg. decking, exterior cladding, fences & rails, effective for the treatment of occasional damp and moderate wetting.
Either can be treated on request. Please make contact with our sales team.

PS

SLM’s treatment plant is seeled to protect their employees and the environment.

Disclaimer

“Please note that timber is an organic product and as such, prone to movement, weathering and eventual decay. Stevens Lumber Mills makes no claim whatsoever as to its suitability for any purpose. Customers must satisfy themselves as to what they are purchasing, as all risk in the product will be transferred to them on their taking possession of it”.

For further information, please visit The South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) website.