CCA Pressure Treated Wood Safety

I get a lot of questions about the safety of pressure treated
wood, especially CCA treated wood.  So, here is some basic
information regarding safety and regulations.

This quote is from a report by the Department of Analytical
Chemistry of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station:

"Studies have shown that virtually no inorganic arsenic is
absorbed through the skin, but is readily taken up by
ingestion. Thus, the potential exposure is hand to mouth,
and therefore, children are considered the most vulnerable
to this potential risk."

Here are some cautionary suggestions from the Environmental
Working Group about CCA Pressure Treated Wood:

• Seal arsenic-treated wood structures every year with polyurethane or other hard lacquer
• Don't let children eat at arsenic-treated picnic tables, or at least cover the table with a coated tablecloth
• Make sure children wash their hands after playing on arsenic-treated surfaces, particularly before eating.

You can find Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other
information about pressure treated wood here: 
http://www.americanpoleandtimber.com/services.shtml