What is micronized copper?

Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) is a preservative used in the pressure treatment of residential application wood products. Micronized copper azole can be used above ground, in ground contact or in freshwater contact.

Is MCA micronized copper azole safe for gardens?

Copper is considered less toxic compared to arsenic. Manufacturers of pressure-treated wood with micronized copper quaternary claim that their lumber won’t leach any copper into the soil and therefore, it’s safe for all uses, including making garden beds.

Is borate treated wood toxic?

Borate wood preservatives are low-toxicity treatments used primarily on indoor wood that is protected from weather.

When did they stop using arsenic in pressure treated wood?

December 31, 2003
Arsenic in Old Pressure-Treated Wood Manufacture of CCA-treated wood for residential use was halted December 31, 2003, through an agreement between manufacturers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Is micronized copper azole toxic?

The preservative penetrates the wood’s cellular structure, giving ProWood lumber long-lasting resistance to decay and termites. Clean, odorless, non-staining and non-irritating, ProWood MCA (micronized copper azole) treated lumber is safe for humans, animals and the environment.

What is MCA treated?

Product Group: Treated Lumber Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) is a copper-based wood preservative used in the pressure treatment of wood products for use in residential applications above ground, in-ground contact or in freshwater contact.

Is it OK to use pressure-treated wood in a vegetable garden?

Modern Pressure-Treated Lumber According to the American Wood Protection Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lumber treated with ACQ is safe for garden use. Its durability and nontoxicity make it among the best woods for raised garden beds.

Is borax and borate the same thing?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. Commercially sold borax is partially dehydrated. Borax is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes.

How do I know if my wood is treated with arsenic?

Treated lumber is clearly stamped as such. Look for stamps that indicate ground contact levels. If it’s stamped L-P22, it contains arsenic, is designed for direct contact with the ground and is the most toxic variety. If it’s stamped L-P2, it’s slightly less toxic and not designed for direct contact with the ground.

Why was CCA banned?

In 2001, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the EPA received several petitions to ban CCA use in playground equipment because of potential human health concerns about exposure to chemical residues from contact with the wood and surrounding soil.

Is micronized copper azole safe for pets?

Clean, odorless, non-staining and non-irritating, ProWood MCA (micronized copper azole) treated lumber is safe for humans, animals and the environment.