Wood Dealer Promises to Phase Out CCA-Treated Wood

Danielle Jackson

San Francisco -- Following the lead of several U.S. wood retailers, wood distributor Golden State Lumber recently has affirmed its committment to phase-out the purchase and sale of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood.

CCA-treted wood is a potential carcinogen, so this is a step in the right direction for the city, according to the company, which supplies much lumber to San Francisco. Nevertheless, the city has not formally addressed how to handle CCA-treated wood, including the many park benches and playground equipment in the city that is made from the wood.

In the meantime, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is considering a ban on CCA-treated wood in playgrounds.