Consumer Information Sheet

Copper Naphthenate Pressure-Treated Wood

This wood has been preserved by pressure-treatment with an EPA-registered pesticide containing copper naphthenate to protect it from insect attack and decay. Wood treated with copper naphthenate should be used only where such protection is important. Copper naphthenate penetrates deeply into and remains in the pressure-treated wood for a long time. The following precautions should be taken both when handling the treated wood and in determining where to use and dispose of the treated wood.

Use Site Precautions

• Logs treated with copper naphthenate should not be used for interior use in log homes.
• Wood treated with copper naphthenate should not be used where it will be in frequent or prolonged contact with bare skin (for example, chairs and other outdoor furniture), unless an effective sealer has been applied.
• Copper naphthenate-treated wood should not be used in residential, industrial or commercial interiors except for laminated beams or for building components which are in ground contact and are subject to decay or insect infestation and where two coats of an appropriate sealer is applied. Sealers may be applied at the installation site.
• In interiors of farm buildings where domestic animals or livestock are unlikely to crib (bite) or lick the wood, copper naphthenate-treated wood may be used for building components where two coats of an appropriate sealer is applied. Sealers may be applied at the installation site.
• Wood treated with copper naphthenate is not suitable for food garden uses.
• You may use copper naphthenate-treated wood for farrowing or brooding facilities, and in the presence of bees and hives.
• Do not use treated wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a component of food or animal feed, except in beehive applications. Examples of such sites would be structures or containers for storing silage or food.
• Do not use treated wood for cutting-boards or countertops.
• Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks and walkways.
• Do not use treated wood for construction of those portions of beehives, which may come in contact with the honey.
• Copper naphthenate-treated wood should not be used where it may come in direct or indirect contact with public drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.
• Do not use copper naphthenate-treated wood where it may come into direct or indirect contact with drinking water for domestic animals or livestock, except for uses involving incidental contact such as docks and bridges.

Handling Precautions

• Dispose of treated wood by ordinary trash collection or burial. Treated wood should not be burned in open fires or in stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers because toxic chemicals may be produced as part of the smoke and ashes. Treated wood from commercial or industrial use (e.g., construction sites) may be burned only in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from treated wood. When sawing and machining treated wood, wear a dust mask. Whenever possible, these operations should be performed outdoors to avoid indoor accumulations of airborne sawdust from treated wood.
• Avoid frequent or prolonged skin contact with copper naphthenate-treated wood; when handling the treated wood, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and use industrial gloves.
• When power sawing and machining, wear goggles to protect eyes from flying particles.
• After working with the wood, and before eating, drinking, and use of tobacco products, wash exposed skin areas thoroughly.
• If oily preservatives or sawdust accumulate on clothes, launder before reuse. Work clothes should be washed separately from other household clothing.
• Latex epoxy enamel/coal tar epoxy and bitumastic coatings are acceptable sealers for copper naphthenate-treated wood.