It is no surprise that throughout the construction industry, pressure-treated lumber is widely used in construction due to its resistance to decay, insects, and moisture. This makes it an ideal material for outdoor decks, fences, playgrounds, and foundation structures. It is the standard “go-to” for protection. However, this perception of convenience comes with many unseen significant health risks—particularly for construction workers who handle this material regularly. Understanding the dangers associated with pressure-treated wood is essential for ensuring worker safety and long-term health.
What Is Pressure-Treated Lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been infused with chemical preservatives under high pressure to protect it against fungal decay, insect infestation, and other environmental threats. Several types of chemicals are used for this treatment, including:
- Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) – formerly widely used, now restricted in many countries due to arsenic content.
- Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) – a common modern alternative to CCA.
- Copper Azole (CA) – another safer alternative.
- Creosote and Pentachlorophenol (PCP) – still used for industrial purposes such as utility poles and railroad ties.
Each of these chemicals, while effective at preserving wood, poses health risks when construction workers are exposed to them without proper protection. Many do not know the risks and hazards of handling these materials, and most often, homeowners themselves do not fully understand the risks once these materials are in place. While convenient and efficient, they can significantly impact long-term health.
Routes of Exposure and Associated Health Hazards
- Skin Contact
Construction workers often handle pressure-treated wood with bare hands or minimal protection. Direct skin contact can result in:
- Irritation and Allergic Reactions – Redness, rash, or burning sensation.
- Dermatitis – Repeated exposure can lead to chronic skin conditions.
- Chemical Burns – Some of the preservatives can cause burns on prolonged exposure.
- Inhalation of Dust and Fumes
Cutting, sanding, or drilling treated lumber releases fine wood dust and chemical particles into the air. Inhalation can cause:
- Respiratory Issues – Irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs.
- Chronic Respiratory Conditions – Long-term exposure may result in asthma, bronchitis, or lung fibrosis.
- Carcinogenic Effects – Arsenic compounds and other preservatives have been linked to various forms of cancer, including lung and bladder cancer.
- Ingestion
Though unintentional, ingestion can occur when workers eat, drink, or smoke without washing hands after handling treated wood. Potential outcomes include:
- Heavy Metal Poisoning – Especially from arsenic in CCA-treated wood.
- Gastrointestinal Distress – Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Long-Term Health Risks
Prolonged and repeated exposure to pressure-treated wood chemicals can result in serious health problems:
- Cancer – CCA contains arsenic, a known human carcinogen. Chronic exposure has been linked to skin, lung, bladder, and liver cancers.
- Neurological Damage – Pentachlorophenol and creosote have been associated with neurotoxicity, affecting memory, coordination, and behavior.
- Organ Damage – Chemicals like PCP and creosote can affect the liver, kidneys, and immune system.
- Reproductive Harm – Some preservatives have been shown to disrupt hormone function, potentially affecting reproductive health
At-Risk Activities and Job Roles
In our industry, there is no question contact with pressure-treated materials is an everyday situation. From contractors to framers, the exposure can spread across delivery, construction sites, framing projects and completed structures affecting many. Workers most at risk include:
- Carpenters and framers
- Laborers in outdoor construction
- Deck and fence installers
- Demolition crews handling older, CCA-treated wood
- Workers involved in wood treatment and manufacturing
Activities that increase exposure include:
- Cutting, sanding, or routing treated lumber
- Burning pressure-treated wood (highly discouraged and illegal in many regions)
- Storing or working with wood in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
Safety Measures and Best Practices
To reduce health risks, the following safety protocols should be rigorously followed:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves – Chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin absorption.
- Long-sleeved Clothing – To limit direct skin exposure.
- Eye Protection – Safety goggles to prevent dust and splinters.
- Respiratory Protection – Dust masks or respirators (NIOSH-approved) when cutting or sanding treated wood.
Workplace Practices
- Use tools with dust collection systems.
- Work outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
- Clean up sawdust promptly with HEPA-filter vacuums.
- Never burn pressure-treated wood; dispose of it at approved facilities.
Hygiene Measures
- Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling treated wood.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while working.
- Change out of contaminated clothing before leaving the job site.
Regulatory Oversight and Guidelines
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide regulations and guidelines on handling pressure-treated wood:
- EPA – Regulates chemical preservatives and bans certain uses of arsenic-based treatments for residential use.
- OSHA – Mandates hazard communication, training, and the use of PPE in workplaces handling hazardous materials.
Employers are legally responsible for informing workers about the hazards of treated wood and ensuring safe work environments.
While pressure-treated lumber remains a cornerstone of modern construction due to its durability and resistance to decay, as well as holding a value for certain applications, it carries serious health hazards for the workers who handle it. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms of exposure, and enforcing strict safety protocols are essential to protecting construction workers from the long-term consequences of toxic chemical exposure.
At TechWood, we have developed an innovative approach to lumber treatment through a pressureless process. Our treatments create a permeable barrier that deeply penetrates the lumber fibers and creating shield against not only mold, but also repels moisture, reduces decay and rot, resists termite and other wood-boring insects, and in the case of 3300 and 4400, provide Class A fire rated protection against flame spread and ignition. Additionally the pressureless process eliminates the loss of stability that is associated with common pressure-treated materials. Our process maintains the stability and durability of the lumber, while also producing a final product that is lighter.
If you are a builder looking to provide safer and stronger materials, while reducing health risks and loss, TechWood is the future of lumber treatment.
