Arsenic is commonly used in many building materials, primarily pressure-treated lumber, plywoods, decks, playground climbing structures, and handrails. It is used to prevent dry rot and insect damage. EPA announced last fall (2002) that the construction industry volunteered to reduce the use of arsenic-treated wood by January 2004
For more information, view our news items on this issue: Phasing out of wood treatment, Lowering levels in water and the Link to cancer study.

Avoid letting children play on existing arsenic treated play structures.
Avoid purchasing and building with these products choosing instead arsenic free alternative; wash hands after coming into contact with treated woods and always use a mask when cutting treated woods.
When removing treated wood from buildings or structures, do not incinerate it, which will release the arsenic into the atmosphere, and eventually into lakes, ponds and groundwater or bay. Water washing over arsenic treated woods can cause the arsenic to leach into groundwater, contaminating it.
Do not try to compost it. It must be disposed of into a qualifying landfill to prevent groundwater contamination. In California, you can contact the Regional Water Quality Control Board for more information.
Symptoms:
External: redness, itching, swelling, skin rash.
Internal: nerve damage, including tingling (pins and needles) pain, tenderness, numbness, thinning of skin, brittleness in fingernails, with pale horizontal bands (called Mee's Lines), loss of hair; skin and lung cancer.

Contributor: City of Berkeley Energy Office