Is Copper Azole Treated Wood Safe

Copper azole is a registered fungicide for treatment of wood.

Is copper azole treated wood safe.

Copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary treatments both contain a fungicide. Micronized copper or copper azole treatment of wood is the modern replacement for chromiated copper arsenic treatment. However some preservative may migrate from the pressure treated wood into surrounding soil over time and there may be incidental contact with skin during construction or use. Pressure treated wood has gone through a process that uses high pressure to force a solution of water and preservative agents deep into the lumber to help extend its useful lifespan.

Copper azole is registered for a variety uses above and below ground as well as in freshwater and marine decking applications. For help selecting the proper type of treated wood for any setting consider consulting the primary standard setting body for treated wood the american wood protection association awpa. Manufacturers are confident of course that these treatments pose no health or environmental problems. The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary acq copper azole ca or micronized copper azole mca.

The copper deters insects and the fungicide prevents soil rotting the lumber. Sally brown a research assistant professor of soils at the university of washington knows her way around both food and metals. As with any fungicide treated materials the lumber should be handled with gloves as well as a dust mask when sawing sanding or machining the lumber. Is acq and ca pressure treated lumber safe.