Arsenic Timber Treatments
Two types of chemicals are used in arsenic timber treatments, copper chrome arsenate and arsenic trioxide.
Copper chrome arsenate is a preservative used to prevent insects, wood rot and wood fungus damaging timber and timber structures. It is used to treat wood intended for outdoor use, such as telegraph poles, fence palings, in landscaping and in building structures.
Arsenic trioxide dust is used by licensed pest control operators (authorised under state or territory legislation) for the post-construction control of termites around buildings.
Arsenic Timber Treatments Review
Status: review completed
Updates:
The APVMA reviewed arsenic based timber treatments following concerns for the health of people coming into contact with the arsenic in treated timber structures.
In March 2005 the APVMA released the Arsenic Timber Treatments Review Final Report (PDF, 715kb). The APVMA cancelled the use of copper chrome arsenate for treating timber destined for garden furniture, picnic tables, exterior seating, children’s play equipment, patio and domestic decking, and handrails. Timber treated with copper chrome arsenate must be clearly labeled as such and can only be used in situations in which people will not come into regular contact with it.
The APVMA also recommended new instructions on copper chrome arsenate product labels for timber treatment operations, waste management and disposal, and the protection of the environment. Read a full history of the review.
The APVMA has the authority to regulate the copper chrome arsenate products used to treat timber but does not have the power to control how people use the structures made from copper chrome arsenate-treated timber.
Arsenic trioxide used correctly should not cause harmful effects to people as the treated areas of timber are covered after application.
Arsenic Timber Treatments archive
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| Review update (training requirements) | January 2012 |
| Review Update | March 2006 |
| Media Release: Some uses of CCA timber treatments to be phased out. | March 2005 |
Arsenic Timber Treatments Final Report: |
March 2005 |
| Frequently Asked Questions | |
| Overview | |
| Arsenic Review Scope (PDF, 52kb) | March 2003 |
| Media Release: Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) - APVMA puts industry on notice | July 2003 |
| Media Release: Registration of Arsenic Based Timber Treatments to be Reviewed | March 2003 |
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