Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding Treated Wood
Treated wood is commonly used in construction and outdoor projects to protect against rot, decay, and insects. It is wood that has been chemically treated with preservatives to make it last longer and resist damage. While treated wood provides many benefits, it also poses potential risks, especially to animals like dogs. The chemicals used in treated wood can be harmful to dogs if they ingest or come into contact with the wood.
Types of Treated Wood
There are several types of treated wood, including pressure-treated wood, which is the most common and contains chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA), alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), and copper azole (CA). Other types of treated wood include creosote-treated wood, which is commonly used for railroad ties and contains creosote, a toxic chemical; and pentachlorophenol-treated wood, which is used for utility poles and contains pentachlorophenol, a highly toxic chemical.
Chemicals Used in Treated Wood
The chemicals used in treated wood are designed to prevent decay, insect damage, and fungal growth. However, they are also toxic and can be harmful to dogs if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Some of the chemicals used in treated wood, such as CCA, have been banned for use in residential settings due to their toxicity. Other chemicals, such as ACQ and CA, are still used in residential settings but are considered less toxic than CCA.