The chemicals used to protect wood from decay by fungus and insects are a controversial subject in the deck building industry. Previous poor practices have led to much confusion and a lasting legacy of contaminated soil and ground water. Most wood preservatives should be considered hazardous in their concentrated form.

On January 1, 2004 the EPA in a voluntary agreement with the industry began to restrict the use of CCA treated lumber. This was an effort to reduce arsenic use and improve environmental safety. Today, modern preserved wood can be considered relatively safe when handled with caution. Treated wood should never be burned or allowed to come into contact with young children. The use of naturally resistant products like cedar or composite materials can be a great substitute and effectively reduce your family’s risk of coming in contact with toxic chemicals. This is an extremely sensitive and debated issue in the industry. The facts are that we live in a world full of dangerous chemicals that can make us sick. We need to educate ourselves in order to make the best decisions to protect ourselves.