Pressure Treated Wood

Although many people are unaware of this, much of the wood that is used in such common structures as fences and playground equipment has been treated with chromated copper arsenic, or CCA, a chemical known to cause cancer in humans. Indeed, the vast majority of wood used in outdoor structures has been pressure treated with CCA, which serves as a pesticide and anti-fungal agent. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps toward phasing out the use of CCA to treat wood, pressure treated wood used in existing structures remains a hazard, particularly for children. Exposure to excessive levels of CCA drastically increases the likelihood that a child will develop cancer later in life. Since CCA can also infiltrate ground water, the risk of exposure exists even for those who avoid direct contact with pressure treated wood.

If you or someone you love has worked with or used pressure treated wood and has suffered from arsenic poisoning or some other ailment as a result, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Foley Law Firm for an evaluation of your case.