Copper Azole

Gate2501 · 15th August 2009, 04:56 PM

I have been working on a basement finishing project in my spare time, and I quickly found myself needing more 2x4-8's. I asked a few friends who work in construction, and landed myself 25 freebies! The only problem is that they are pressure treated with this chemical, Copper Azole. After doing some research, it seems fairly harmless, especially considering it will be behind drywall for the most part, but one friend was hitting me with some serious doom and gloom about off-gassing and severe health risks, like cancer, just from having them inside a house? It seems like most of the dangerous pressure treating was done pre-2003 and involved a chemical CCA, which contained arsenic.

Would it be dangerous to use these 25 planks in my house??? I'm really quite lost.

Singularitarian · 15th August 2009, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Gate2501

I have been working on a basement finishing project in my spare time, and I quickly found myself needing more 2x4-8's. I asked a few friends who work in construction, and landed myself 25 freebies! The only problem is that they are pressure treated with this chemical, Copper Azole. After doing some research, it seems fairly harmless, especially considering it will be behind drywall for the most part, but one friend was hitting me with some serious doom and gloom about off-gassing and severe health risks, like cancer, just from having them inside a house? It seems like most of the dangerous pressure treating was done pre-2003 and involved a chemical CCA, which contained arsenic.

Would it be dangerous to use these 25 planks in my house??? I'm really quite lost.

So long as it is not within physical contact, everything is ok.

tesscaline · 15th August 2009, 06:03 PM

You can read up about the chemical here: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregist...opperazole.htm

Other than that, I don't know much about it personally. Hope the resource helps

jasonpatterson · 15th August 2009, 10:35 PM

In general treated lumber doesn't outgas to any significant extent. The purpose of the treatment is to infuse the wood with copper compounds (generally speaking) that bind to the wood fibers and prevent fungal growth and deter insects (particularly those treatments that also involve boric acid.) The treatment stays with the wood and doesn't just leak out. When you cut it, it would be wise to wash your hands before you eat and to cut it in a well ventilated place, but otherwise you're fine. The only other prohibition is burning waste scraps. That is the only easy way to free up the stuff it's been treated with, and the smoke is not friendly to you or the environment.

(This stuff is used to make picnic tables, for goodness sake.

)

JJM · 16th August 2009, 12:31 PM

SkeptiChick provided a good link. My concern is whether it is meant to be used only in exterior applications. Wherever you are getting your other construction materials you can ask about that. In addition to other handling concerns, don't inhale the saw dust.

CynicalSkeptic · 16th August 2009, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by jasonpatterson

This stuff is used to make picnic tables, for goodness sake.

Which are generally used outside.

2x4's aren't terribly expensive. Buy the non-treated ones and do the job right.

RoboTimbo · 16th August 2009, 12:52 PM

Treated 2x4's are used inside all the time, particularly in basements. You have to use them when they are in contact with concrete. Non-treated will rot because concrete retains moisture and will hold it against the wood.

davefoc · 16th August 2009, 03:01 PM

One other caveat, from a non-expert.

I believe that the newer chemicals that replaced wood treatments that contained arsenic are highly corrosive and you are supposed to use either stainless steel fasteners or fasteners with special treatments to protect them from the corrosive effects of the chemical when you use treated wood.

15th August 2009, 04:56 PM	#1
Gate2501 Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,377	Copper Azole I have been working on a basement finishing project in my spare time, and I quickly found myself needing more 2x4-8's. I asked a few friends who work in construction, and landed myself 25 freebies! The only problem is that they are pressure treated with this chemical, Copper Azole. After doing some research, it seems fairly harmless, especially considering it will be behind drywall for the most part, but one friend was hitting me with some serious doom and gloom about off-gassing and severe health risks, like cancer, just from having them inside a house? It seems like most of the dangerous pressure treating was done pre-2003 and involved a chemical CCA, which contained arsenic. Would it be dangerous to use these 25 planks in my house??? I'm really quite lost.

15th August 2009, 05:57 PM	#2
Singularitarian Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,008	Originally Posted by Gate2501 I have been working on a basement finishing project in my spare time, and I quickly found myself needing more 2x4-8's. I asked a few friends who work in construction, and landed myself 25 freebies! The only problem is that they are pressure treated with this chemical, Copper Azole. After doing some research, it seems fairly harmless, especially considering it will be behind drywall for the most part, but one friend was hitting me with some serious doom and gloom about off-gassing and severe health risks, like cancer, just from having them inside a house? It seems like most of the dangerous pressure treating was done pre-2003 and involved a chemical CCA, which contained arsenic. Would it be dangerous to use these 25 planks in my house??? I'm really quite lost. So long as it is not within physical contact, everything is ok.
Singularitarian Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,008

15th August 2009, 10:35 PM	#4
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,180	In general treated lumber doesn't outgas to any significant extent. The purpose of the treatment is to infuse the wood with copper compounds (generally speaking) that bind to the wood fibers and prevent fungal growth and deter insects (particularly those treatments that also involve boric acid.) The treatment stays with the wood and doesn't just leak out. When you cut it, it would be wise to wash your hands before you eat and to cut it in a well ventilated place, but otherwise you're fine. The only other prohibition is burning waste scraps. That is the only easy way to free up the stuff it's been treated with, and the smoke is not friendly to you or the environment. (This stuff is used to make picnic tables, for goodness sake. )
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

16th August 2009, 12:31 PM	#5
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,855	SkeptiChick provided a good link. My concern is whether it is meant to be used only in exterior applications. Wherever you are getting your other construction materials you can ask about that. In addition to other handling concerns, don't inhale the saw dust.
JJM Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,855

16th August 2009, 03:01 PM	#8
davefoc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: orange country, california Posts: 7,232	One other caveat, from a non-expert. I believe that the newer chemicals that replaced wood treatments that contained arsenic are highly corrosive and you are supposed to use either stainless steel fasteners or fasteners with special treatments to protect them from the corrosive effects of the chemical when you use treated wood.
	__________________ The way of truth is along the path of intellectual sincerity. -- Henry S. Pritchett Perfection is the enemy of good enough -- Russian proverb

15th August 2009, 06:03 PM	#3
tesscaline Illuminator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 4,037	You can read up about the chemical here: http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/reregist...opperazole.htm Other than that, I don't know much about it personally. Hope the resource helps

16th August 2009, 12:49 PM	#6
CynicalSkeptic Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: state of denial Posts: 1,360	Originally Posted by jasonpatterson This stuff is used to make picnic tables, for goodness sake. Which are generally used outside. 2x4's aren't terribly expensive. Buy the non-treated ones and do the job right.

16th August 2009, 12:52 PM	#7
RoboTimbo Hostile Nanobacon Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Prosperity, AZ Posts: 21,829	Treated 2x4's are used inside all the time, particularly in basements. You have to use them when they are in contact with concrete. Non-treated will rot because concrete retains moisture and will hold it against the wood.