Problems from Pressure-Treated Wood

The majority of wastes found in open dump sites come from commercial construction and demolition
activities. Several human health and environmental concerns arise from the improper use of waste treated
wood, either by burning it, or by grinding it for direct mixture with soil as a soil amendment.

1. Pressure-treated wood is preserved with pesticides containing inorganic arsenic, creosote, and penta.
Exposure to either inorganic arsenic, creosote or penta may present certain hazards. Therefore, precautions
must be taken when handling or determining where to use or dispose the treated wood.
NOTE: Arsenic-treated lumber that is used for compost or mulch creates human health risks. Treated
wood that is ground for use as mulch or in compost significantly exceeds cancer-risk action guidelines set by
the Environmental Protection Agency Region IX, for exposures to both industrial soil and residential soil.
Therefore, use of arsenic-treated lumber in compost or mulch is not allowed.

2. Burning pressure-treated wood may release toxic gases from the CCA or ACZA preservatives used to treat
the wood, and create unnecessary exposure for neighboring businesses and residents to these fumes. Burning
treated wood will also significantly increase the concentration of toxic substances in the ash. The cost to
dispose of the ash may also increase significantly, because of the need to transport the ash to hazardous waste
landfills on the mainland. Landfills in Hawaii do not accept incinerator ash that meets the definition of
hazardous waste.

3. Pressure-treated wood can decompose. If illegally processed for use as fill material, the waste wood may
lead to settlement of the soil surface and create unstable conditions for structural foundations and future site
development. Unlike the wood itself, the treatment chemicals within the wood do NOT degrade, but persist in
the environment. Only landfills permitted by the Department of Health may receive treated wood.

Taken from the goverment website:
http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/waste/sw/pdf/trtdwood.pdf