Micronized copper azole penetrates into and remains in pressure treated wood for a long time.
Burning copper azole treated wood.
Follow the safe practices listed below when working with pressure treated wood.
Material safety information copper azole treated wood products page.
In 2013 a different technology micropro.
Copper azole is a registered fungicide for treatment of wood.
3 of 4 date of issue.
Precautions for use continued personal protection for normal work on dry treated wood a dust mask and goggles should be worn as protection from wood dust when machining or sawing.
It may look the same as traditional wood giving you a false of sense of security but pressure treated wood is not safe to burn.
Toxic chemicals will be emitted in the smoke and ashes from treated wood can be hazardous to livestock or wildlife.
On january 1 2004 the wood industry throughout north america has ceased to produce pressure treated wood treated with cca chrome copper and arsenic for residential use replacing this chemical with what is generically called non arsenic treatments primarily acq and copper azole ca both of which contains no arsenic but much more copper.
It is widely used throughout the united states and canada.
Water based preservatives like copper azole leave wood with a clean paintable surface after they dry.
Copper azole and alkaline copper quaternary treatments both contain a fungicide.
It is a fungicide and insecticide.
More copper makes the wood more expensive.
The copper deters insects and the fungicide prevents soil rotting the lumber.
Copper azole is a water based wood preservative that prevents fungal decay and insect attack.
Chips sawdust and debris from treated wood are considered hazardous waste and should not be burned or disposed of at any location other than those specified by local government agencies.
However some preservative may migrate from the pressure treated wood into surrounding soil over time and there may be incidental contact with skin during construction or use.
Pressure treated wood has gone through a process that uses high pressure to force a solution of water and preservative agents deep into the lumber to help extend its useful lifespan.
Why pressure treated wood is not safe to burn.
Micronized copper or copper azole treatment of wood is the modern replacement for chromiated copper arsenic treatment.
As with any fungicide treated materials the lumber should be handled with gloves as well as a dust mask when sawing sanding or machining the lumber.
Never burn treated wood.
Ca is a water based preservative that can be cleaned and painted.
Copper azole treatments contain copper boric acid and tebuconazole type b does not contain boric acid.
Pressure treated wood however avoids these problems by exposing the wood to pressurized chemicals that deters insects and prevents decay.