KEY ISSUES: TIMBER AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
CCA chemical as a restricted chemical product
In April 2007, A3P distributed an information bulletin to processor members outlining the new requirements for a treatment plant to handle the CCA chemical as a Restricted Chemical Product (RCP). Under the new requirements, expected to be introduced mid 2007, CCA can only be supplied to and used by trained persons employing special equipment. Treatment plants largely complying with AS/NZS 2843-2006 have been deemed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to be the bench mark for such operations.
For further information: A3P Information Bulletin - CCA Chemical as a Restricted Chemical Product (2007) Acrobat I 260 KB
What is CCA treated timber?
CCA treated timber contains forms of the chemicals Copper, Chromium and Arsenic. These are chemical preservatives used to protect non-durable wood from rotting and attack by fungi, termites or other wood boring insects. The treatment is applied under pressure in a controlled industrial environment and has been widely used to produce durable and economic outdoor building products for over 70 years.
CCA treated timber has been used widely in the construction of timber decks and pergolas, guard rails, fencing, retaining walls, vineyards, playgrounds and a multitude of other recreational, building and industrial uses. Its longevity and durability has provided a maintenance-free and cost-effective material for outdoor use. It is primarily based on utilising our renewable plantation pine forest resource.
Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) ruling
The national agricultural chemical regulator, the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has recommended phasing out use of CCA timber treatment in situations of frequent and intimate human contact — such as decking, playgrounds, garden furniture and handrails.
A review finalised by the APVMA in 2005 concluded that the APVMA could not be satisfied that there was not a health risk for people, particularly children, who had frequent and close exposure to the treated timber products. Other key outcomes of the review include the requirement that CCA treated timbers be clearly labelled to improve consumer awareness and the introduction of greater controls on the availability and use of CCA by timber treatment facilities.
The enHealth Council, in considering the APVMA report, notes that “there is no evidence that existing CCA treated timber structures in parks and throughout the community pose a risk to public health, or that replacement or removal of these existing structures is warranted”.
Concern about the chemicals used in wood treatment has led to much research leading to the development of alternatives. These alternatives are becoming available, but are not yet widely accepted in the marketplace. They usually combine copper and organic preservative and are more environmentally friendly as they do not contain chromium or arsenic.
Alternatives
Two alternatives are ACQ (ammoniacal copper quat) and Tanalith E (copper azole). Both have been extensively tested, and generally perform as well as CCA in specific situations. Other preservatives suitable for out-of-ground-contact uses include a number of light organic solvent preservative (LOSP) formulations.
Environmental groups would like to see reduced chemical treatment of timber and increased production of naturally durable timber from longer rotation plantations, but to make this economically viable would require structural changes to tax mechanisms. A research study by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has found that the development of high quality, long rotation plantations is being held back by impediments to private investment (see section on investment).
A3P's Sustainability Action Plan - treated timber
A3P aims to achieve desired product durability while minimising and managing the environmental impact of treated timber by:
- Implementing the recommendations of APVMA review of CCA for treating timber.
- Applying Environmental Management Systems where timber is treated.
- Working with Governments to ensure the availability of engineered landfills or other suitable
disposal options for treated timber.
- Using most benign treatment in terms of type and quantity of chemical, consistent with effectiveness.
- Achieving consistent improvement in availability of post-use disposal options.
- Quantities of timber treated by method — consistent trend away from higher toxicity treatments.
Further Information:
- A3P Information Bulletin - CCA Chemical as a Restricted Chemical Product (2007) Acrobat I 260 KB
- A3P Industry Standard - CA Treated Timber (2006) Adobe Acrobat I 275 KB .
- APVMA - Arsenic Based Treatments FAQ Adobe Acrobat I 33 KB
- APVMA - CCA Frequently Asked Questions Adobe Acrobat I 275 KB
- CCA Treated Timber - Consumer Pamphlets Adobe Acrobat I 0.9MB
- Treated Wood Council - CCA Facts Adobe Acrobat I 0.4MB
- Better Health - CCA Facts Acrobat I 52 KB
- Enhealth Council - Position on CCA Acrobat I 37 KB
- John Paling & Co. Inc. - Risks of Treated Wood Acrobat I 129 KB
- ATTCG - CCA Risks Acrobat I 0.3MB
Useful websites:
Timber Information
Free technical information on the source, selection, properties and other atributes of plantation timber based products available for use in building and construction applications.