Preservative-treated wood and alternative products in the Forest Service

Abstract

When treated wood is used in field settings, the possibility of environmental contamination raises concerns. There is increasing pressure to be environmentally friendly and to reduce, restrict, or eliminate the use of wood preservatives because of the concern that toxic constituents may leach from the treated wood. This report will provide an overview of preservative systems, help readers understand the level of risk and status of the science involved in evaluating preservative systems, and provide some guidelines for using the products.

Keywords

Types of wood preservatives, ACA, ACZA, best management practices, boardwalks, boric acid, CCA, construction, consumer information sheets, copper arsenate, copper chrome arsenates, copper naphthenate, corrosion, creosote, disposal, environmental impact, facilities, leaching, pentachlorophenol, pressure treatments, recreation, retention, standards, structures, trail bridges, wood chemistry, wood preservation, wood preservatives

Citation

Groenier, James (Scott); Lebow, Stan. 2006. Preservative-treated wood and alternative products in the Forest Service. Missoula, MT : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Technology & Development Program, 2006: iv, 44 pages