Handling weathered pressure-treated wood, especially old decking, can be a tedious ordeal. The natural wear and tear process can cause the treated wood to degrade, generating minute dust particles and splinters. These tiny irritants can seriously compromise your respiratory, ocular, and dermal health, underscoring the importance of taking precautions. When interacting with pressure-treated lumber, you’re unwittingly exposing yourself to a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals.
Donning gloves can effectively shield your skin from excessive exposure, significantly reducing the risk of adverse reactions. When tackling a 35-year-old decking project, comprising weathered pressure-treated wood planks, splinter risks are heightened. By being attuned to the potential for splinters, you can take proactive measures to anticipate and prevent unwanted mishaps, ensuring a seamless project completion.
How Do I Test If Pressure Treated Wood is Safe to Work with in My Yard or Home?
You’re considering using pressure treated wood in your yard or home, and you want to make sure it’s safe for you and your family. The good news is that, with proper precautions, pressure treated wood can be a great option. But before you get started, let’s talk about how to test its safety.
Check the Label
The first step is to check the label on the pressure treated wood. Look for the Uniform Building Code (UBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) logo, which indicates that the wood meets specific safety standards. Check the label for the following information:
- Type of preservative used (e.g. copper azole, alkaline copper quaternary)
- Retention level (the amount of preservative left in the wood)
- Species of wood
Look for Certification
Check if the pressure treated wood has been certified by a reputable third-party organization, such as the Engineered Performance Association (EPA). This ensures that the wood has been tested and meets specific safety standards.
Test the Wood
- Drill a small hole in the wood and fill it with water.
- Wait for 24 hours and check if the water has absorbed into the wood.
- If it has, the wood is likely to be safe to use.
- Repeat the process on multiple pieces of wood to ensure consistent results.
Take Precautions
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses.
- Avoid ingesting or inhaling any wood debris.
- Clean up any spills or sawdust immediately.
How Can I Prevent Pressure Treated Wood Splinters from Traveling under My Skin and Causing Infection?
If you find yourself with a piece of pressure treated wood, it’s essential to take proper precautions to prevent splinters from entering your skin and causing infection.
Reduce the Risk of Splinters
- Wear protective clothing: Put on long sleeves, pants, and gloves before handling pressure treated wood. This will create a barrier between your skin and the wood.
- Avoid direct contact: Try not to touch the pressure treated wood directly, as the chemicals used to treat the wood can be transferred to your skin.
- Use tools: When handling pressure treated wood, use tools like saws, drills, or sandpaper to perform the task. This will reduce the amount of direct contact with the wood.
- Keep the area clean: Regularly clean and disinfect the area where you’re working with pressure treated wood to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Remove Splinters
- Clean the area: Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Apply a topical treatment: Use an antiseptic ointment or cream to the affected area to reduce the risk of infection.
- Gently remove the splinter: Use tweezers to carefully remove the splinter from your skin. Avoid pushing the splinter deeper into your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
- Apply a bandage: Once the splinter is removed, cover the area with a bandage to keep it clean and protected.
Prevent Infections
- Keep the affected area clean and dry
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels or razors
- Avoid touching the affected area and then touching your face or mouth
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream to the affected area as needed
Can Pressure Treated Wood Splinters Cause Permanent Damage to My Skin?
Pressure treated wood is a common material used in construction, decking, and fencing. However, some people wonder if the chemicals used to treat this wood can cause permanent damage to their skin.
- What’s in pressure treated wood? Pressure treated wood contains chemicals like copper azole (CA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), which are designed to prevent rot and insect damage. These chemicals are toxic to certain organisms, but they can also be harmful to humans.
- Can pressure treated wood splinters cause skin damage? Yes, it’s possible. If you’re exposed to pressure treated wood through skin contact, you may experience irritation, redness, or even blistering. In rare cases, exposure to these chemicals can cause more serious skin reactions, such as rashes or allergic contact dermatitis.
- Why are some people more susceptible? Some individuals may be more prone to skin reactions due to their individual sensitivity or genetic predisposition. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes or HIV, may also be more susceptible to skin damage.
- How can you minimize the risk? To reduce your risk of skin damage from pressure treated wood:
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves and long sleeves, when handling pressure treated wood.
- Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water after exposure.
- Use a barrier cream or lotion to protect your skin from chemicals.
- Avoid ingressing chemicals into your body by not touching your face or eating after handling pressure treated wood.
It’s essential to remember that most people can safely handle and work around pressure treated wood without experiencing severe skin reactions. However, taking proper precautions and being mindful of potential risks can help minimize the likelihood of skin damage.
What Are the Common Areas of the Body Where Pressure Treated Wood Splinters Tend to Occur?
When working with pressure-treated wood, it’s essential to be aware of the areas where splinters tend to occur. Here are the common spots to watch out for:
- Joints and seams: These areas are prone to cracking and splitting, making them more susceptible to splintering.
- Edges: The sharp edges of pressure-treated wood can easily splinter and cause injuries.
- Cut surfaces: Anytime you cut or trim pressure-treated wood, you risk creating a sharp edge or splintering the wood.
- Weathered areas: Over time, pressure-treated wood can become weathered and brittle, leading to increased splintering.
- Nails and fasteners: The areas surrounding nails and fasteners are more likely to splinter, especially if the wood is old or weathered.
It’s crucial to take precautions when working with pressure-treated wood to minimize the risk of splintering. Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask, and handle the wood carefully to avoid injuries. Regularly inspect the wood for signs of wear and tear, and consider using a wood conditioner to reduce the likelihood of splintering.
Is It True That Some Pressure Treated Wood Products Contain More Toxic Chemicals, Making It Necessary to Take Extra Precautions?
When it comes to working with pressure treated wood, there’s a common concern among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike: the potential toxicity of certain products.
The truth is that not all pressure treated wood contains toxic chemicals, but it’s crucial to understand the differences between products to ensure a safe working environment and minimize potential health risks.
Some pressure treated wood products are treated with preservatives containing copper, chromium, and arsenic (CCA). While these treatments have been banned in many countries for residential use due to health and environmental concerns, they may still be used for industrial or agricultural purposes.
Other products use alternative preservatives like alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA), or borate-based treatments, which are considered safer and more environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re working with reclaimed, new, or recycled pressure treated wood, it’s essential to take extra precautions:
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask, when handling or cutting pressure treated wood.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to chemicals.
- Avoid ingesting or inhaling wood dust or debris.
- Clean and wash your tools and work area after handling pressure treated wood.
- Consider wearing a HEPA filter respirator for added protection.
It’s also important to note that many pressure treated wood products are now labeled as “untreated” or “safe for use,” but it’s crucial to verify the treated wood’s type and preservative content before working with it.
By taking these precautions and understanding the types of pressure treated wood products available, you can work safely and confidently, ensuring a successful and healthy project.
