Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

KOPPERS HICKSON TANALITH CCA TREATED TIMBER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used in building and for structures, fences etc, particularly where below ground borer and
rot resistant timber is required. Sawing and sanding produces dust which contains
preservative chemicals. CCA treatment protects timber against fungal and insect attack. In
USA CCA treated timbers for residential or consumer products has not been produced since
2003. CCA- treated timber is only available for commercial and industrial uses. eg. poles,
pilings, bridges etc. [US EPA with agreement of the US Timber Preservers Association].

SYNONYMS

"copper chrome arsenic treated timber", "tanalised timber", "termite proof timber", "rot
proof timber"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Overexposure is unlikely in this form and quantity.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

INHALED

  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  Inhalation hazard is increased at higher temperatures.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are by skin contact, inhalation of machining  dust and exposure to volatile arsenic compounds if treated timber is burnt.  Treated timber for childrens playground equipment or for use in log cabins,  before use should be:  (a) Aged 4 to 6 weeks to "fix" treatment chemicals and thoroughly dry timber;  and (b) washed well with water to remove soluble salts.  This as recommended by Australian Standard AS 1924. Failure to observe this  may result in timber wet with treatment chemicals being handled, or  increased hazard, particularly from dust if timber is sawn or sanded.  C.C.A. treated timber has a long history of safe use with human and stock  exposure, provided reasonable occupational hygiene is observed.  Treated timber must NOT be used for cooking over open fires, barbecues, spit  roasts. Arsenic compounds are released and volatilised by burning and may  cause serious food contamination.  Various woods are able to induce allergies, both of the immediate onset type in woodwork which causes a respiratory syndrome, and of the delayed type which results in eczema from exposure to dusts and direct contact. Cross-reaction is common. Certain alkaloids are contained in some species, causing headache, anorexia, slow heart rate and breathing difficulties. Conjunctivitis is also possible. Allergic reactions are aggravated by fungi and bacteria associated with wood. Cancers of the respiratory tract seem to be more common in those professions associated with the use of wood. This seems to be true for both hardwood and soft wood.  One ingredient of the product has caused skin sensitization reactions, shown as localized reddening and hives, or may produce respiratory sensitization characterized by asthma-  like symptoms and runny nose.