Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) Treated Timber in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) treated timber is wood that has been pressure-treated with a preservative containing copper, chromium, and arsenic. In the Grand Rapids area, this type of treated wood has been widely used in outdoor structures because it stands up well to Michigan’s wet springs, humid summers, and long, snowy winters.

CCA-treated timber is still found in many backyards, parks, farms, and along waterways in and around Grand Rapids, including older decks, retaining walls, and landscaping structures.

How CCA Treatment Works

CCA treatment prolongs the life of wood by protecting it from rot, fungi, and insects—issues that are common in West Michigan’s damp climate and along the Grand River.

  • Copper and arsenic protect the wood from insects and fungal decay.
  • Chromium (chrome) helps “lock” the copper and arsenic into the wood, reducing how much can leach out over time.
  • CCA-treated wood often has a greenish tint, especially when newly installed.

Because of its durability, CCA-treated timber has historically been used for:

  • Decking and boardwalks
  • Playground equipment (older structures)
  • Fences and retaining walls
  • Jetties, docks, and waterfront structures along rivers and lakes
  • Vineyard posts and farm structures

Health Concerns with CCA-Treated Timber

The main concern with CCA-treated timber is its arsenic content. Arsenic can be:

  • Ingested (swallowed) from hand-to-mouth contact with wood surfaces or surrounding soil
  • Inhaled in smoke or ash if CCA-treated timber is burned

Over time, small amounts of chemicals can leach from CCA-treated timber. However, research has found that the amount of arsenic that leaches is generally less than levels found in some common foods. People in Michigan are also exposed to naturally occurring arsenic in soil, water, and food, and the body can tolerate small amounts.

Even so, international health authorities have raised concerns about long-term exposure, especially for children. As a result:

  • The United States and Canada restricted the use of CCA-treated timber in most non-industrial residential applications after January 2004.
  • New playgrounds, decks, and similar structures are generally built with alternative, arsenic-free treatments.

In Grand Rapids, you may still find CCA-treated wood in older structures, but newer residential projects typically use safer, modern treated lumber.

Where CCA-Treated Timber Should and Should Not Be Used

Avoid Using CCA-Treated Timber For:

For health and safety reasons, CCA-treated timber should not be used to build:

  • Children’s play equipment
  • Patios and domestic decking
  • Handrails and railings
  • New garden furniture
  • Exterior seating or picnic tables
  • Surfaces where food is prepared or served

Acceptable Uses for CCA-Treated Timber

CCA-treated timber may still be used in more industrial or structural settings, including:

  • Poles and posts
  • Fencing (away from regular hand contact)
  • Landscaping timbers and retaining wall supports
  • Piling and structure foundations
  • Residential, industrial, and commercial construction where there is limited human contact
  • Rural and farm uses (e.g., fence posts, barn poles)
  • Fresh and saltwater structures, such as docks and jetties
  • Signage and some types of boat construction

Existing Structures in Grand Rapids

If your Grand Rapids home or property already has CCA-treated timber:

  • You do not need to remove it immediately.
  • It can remain in place until it reaches the end of its functional life, as long as it is used and maintained properly.

The current recommendations are precautionary. There is no strong evidence that CCA-treated timber causes harm when handled and used correctly, but it is wise to limit unnecessary exposure, especially for children.

Safe Handling of CCA-Treated Timber at Home

If you are cutting, sanding, or handling CCA-treated timber in your Grand Rapids home workshop or yard, take these precautions:

Before You Start

  • Choose the correct timber for the job and check warning labels on treated lumber.
  • Cover any cuts, wounds, or abrasions on your skin.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear:

  • A P1 or P2 dust mask (P2 is similar to an N95 mask) to avoid inhaling sawdust
  • Safety goggles to protect your eyes
  • Gloves and long sleeves/pants to reduce splinters and skin contact

Work Practices

  • Work outdoors whenever possible; avoid cutting or sanding in confined, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Keep food and drinks away from sawdust and treated wood surfaces.
  • After working with CCA-treated timber, wash your hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking, or touching your face.
  • Clean your workshop or garage carefully. Do not leave sawdust lying around.
  • Clean PPE (goggles, gloves, etc.) to remove sawdust before using it again.
  • Wash work clothes separately from other laundry after cutting or sanding CCA-treated wood.

Resealing and Hardware for CCA-Treated Timber

To reduce leaching and extend the life of CCA-treated wood:

  • Reseal cut surfaces with an appropriate exterior timber preservative or sealant.
  • Use stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized plates, bolts, and nails to prevent corrosion and staining.

In Grand Rapids’ freeze-thaw cycles and high humidity near rivers and lakes, sealing and using the right hardware also helps prevent structural damage.

Children, Playgrounds, and CCA-Treated Timber

Many older playgrounds and backyard play structures in Michigan were built with CCA-treated timber. Concerns have focused on the possibility that children might:

  • Get arsenic on their hands from the wood surface or surrounding soil
  • Swallow tiny amounts of arsenic through normal hand-to-mouth behavior

However, long-term use has not clearly shown health problems:

  • CCA-treated timber has been used for decades, and no confirmed cases of adverse health effects have been reported in children playing on or near CCA-treated timber play equipment.
  • Current guidelines are precautionary, not based on proven harm.

Reducing Children’s Exposure

If you have existing CCA-treated play equipment:

  • Do not place food directly on CCA-treated surfaces.
  • Teach children to wash their hands after playing outside, especially:
    • Before eating
    • Before drinking
    • Before putting fingers or toys in their mouths

There is no need to remove existing CCA-treated play equipment from your Grand Rapids backyard solely because it is CCA-treated.

It is uncertain whether painting or sealing CCA-treated play equipment significantly reduces exposure, but sealing may help reduce surface contact and weathering.

Building New Play Equipment in Grand Rapids

If you plan to build new play equipment:

  • Avoid CCA-treated timber.
  • Ask staff at your local Grand Rapids hardware store or lumber yard about:
    • Arsenic-free treated lumber
    • Naturally durable wood species
    • Composite materials suitable for playgrounds

CCA-Treated Timber and Fire: A Serious Hazard

Burning CCA-treated timber is dangerous and is a critical concern for home safety in West Michigan, where many residents use wood stoves, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits.

Never Burn CCA-Treated Timber

Do not burn CCA-treated timber in:

  • Fireplaces
  • Wood stoves
  • Outdoor fire pits or campfires
  • Barbecues or grills
  • Any wood fire

When CCA-treated timber burns:

  • The ash can contain up to 10% arsenic, chromium, and copper by weight.
  • Swallowing only a few grams of ash can be harmful.

Symptoms of Exposure to CCA Ash

If someone swallows ash from burnt CCA-treated timber, symptoms can include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • A “pins and needles” or tingling feeling in the skin

If you suspect that you, a child, or a pet has ingested ash from burned treated wood:

  • Keep children and pets away from the area.
  • Seek medical care promptly. In Grand Rapids you can contact:
    • Your primary care provider
    • An urgent care clinic (e.g., Spectrum Health or Trinity Health urgent care)
    • Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222

Safe Cleanup of CCA-Treated Timber Ash

If a structure containing CCA-treated timber has burned (for example, during a house fire or brush fire):

Protective Gear

When handling ash:

  • Wear protective gloves
  • Wear disposable overalls or coveralls
  • Wear a P1 or P2 (N95-type) mask to minimize dust inhalation

Ash Handling and Disposal

  • Carefully collect the ash, avoiding raising dust.
  • Do not bury CCA-treated timber ash.
  • Double-bag the ash, seal it, and take it to an approved landfill.
  • In Kent County, contact:
    • Kent County Department of Public Works or
    • Your local waste management provider
      for guidance on proper disposal locations.

Risk Reduction Strategies for CCA-Treated Timber in Grand Rapids

To reduce health and environmental risks from CCA-treated timber:

  • Do not use CCA-treated timber for:
    • Kitchen cutting boards
    • Kitchen countertops
    • Food containers or food preparation surfaces
  • Never burn CCA-treated timber in any indoor or outdoor fire.
  • Do not use sawdust from CCA-treated timber in:
    • Mulch or compost
    • Animal bedding or feed
  • Do not leave unwanted CCA-treated timber where others may collect it as firewood (for example, on the curb or nature strip).

Disposal of CCA-Treated Timber in Grand Rapids

  • Small off-cuts from home projects can generally be placed in your regular rubbish bin, as long as your local waste service allows it.
  • Larger amounts from building, renovation, or demolition should be:
    • Taken to an approved landfill or transfer station
    • Managed according to Kent County or City of Grand Rapids waste regulations

Contact the Kent County Department of Public Works or Grand Rapids Public Works Department for current disposal guidelines.

Pets, Animals, and Ponds

Certain uses of CCA-treated timber are not recommended around animals and aquatic environments:

  • Avoid using CCA-treated timber for animal cages, especially if:
    • Birds or small animals are likely to chew on the wood (e.g., bird cages, rabbit hutches).
  • Do not use CCA-treated timber in the construction of fish ponds, water gardens, or aquariums.
    • Arsenic and other chemicals can leach into the water and harm fish and other aquatic life.

This is especially important in West Michigan, where protecting local waterways and the Great Lakes ecosystem is a priority.

Safer Alternatives to CCA-Treated Timber in West Michigan

Arsenic-free alternative wood treatments are widely available in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. These products:

  • Do not contain arsenic
  • Control a similar range of pests and decay organisms
  • Are suitable for decks, playgrounds, fences, and many outdoor projects

Common alternatives include:

  • ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary)
  • CA (Copper Azole)
  • Naturally durable woods (e.g., cedar, some hardwoods)
  • Composite lumber for decks and play structures

Ask your local Grand Rapids hardware store, lumber yard, or home improvement center about:

  • Which products are best suited for:
    • Decking
    • Play equipment
    • Fences and landscaping
  • How these products perform in Michigan’s climate (freeze-thaw cycles, snow, ice, and summer humidity)

Local Resources and Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you have questions about CCA-treated timber, chemical exposure, or safe disposal in the Grand Rapids area, the following resources can help:

  • Your GP (Primary Care Doctor)

    • For health concerns related to potential arsenic or chemical exposure.
    • Major health systems include:
      • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health)
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
      • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
      • Mercy Health clinics in the region

  • Kent County Health Department

    • For information on environmental health, soil, and water safety.

  • City of Grand Rapids Public Works / Solid Waste & Recycling

    • For guidance on disposing of CCA-treated timber and ash.

  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

    • For statewide environmental protection guidelines and regulations.

  • Local hardware stores and lumber yards

    • For advice on:
      • Identifying CCA-treated vs. newer treated lumber
      • Choosing arsenic-free alternatives
      • Best materials for Michigan’s weather conditions

Key Points About CCA-Treated Timber in Grand Rapids

  • CCA treatment prolongs the life of wood, making it resistant to insects and rot—useful in Michigan’s wet and cold climate.
  • Concerns have been raised about potential health risks due to the arsenic content, especially with long-term exposure and for children.
  • Chromium “locks” copper and arsenic into the timber, reducing but not completely preventing chemical leaching.
  • When working with CCA-treated wood, always wear eye protection, gloves, a dust mask, and appropriate clothing.
  • There is insufficient evidence to show that CCA-treated timber poses a health risk when used and handled properly, but precautionary measures are recommended.
  • Never burn CCA-treated timber, and dispose of ash and waste wood properly using local Grand Rapids and Kent County guidelines.
  • When building new decks, play equipment, or outdoor furniture in Grand Rapids, choose arsenic-free treated wood or alternative materials whenever possible.