Copper Chrome Arsenic

Copper Chrome Arsenic (CCA) is a type of Water-borne preservative that has been widely used in the past to protect wood products against decay and insect damage. CCA is a mixture of copper, chromium, and arsenic, and is highly effective in preventing fungal decay and insect infestations in wood.

CCA-treated wood has been commonly used in a variety of outdoor applications, including decking, fences, playground equipment, and utility poles. The treatment process involves immersing the wood in a solution of CCA, which penetrates the wood fibers and provides long-lasting protection against decay and insects.

However, there are concerns about the potential health and environmental risks associated with CCA-treated wood. Arsenic, in particular, is a known human carcinogen and can also be harmful to the environment. As a result, the use of CCA-treated wood has been restricted or banned in many countries, including the United States and Canada.

Alternative preservatives, such as Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), copper azole, and micronized copper, have been developed to replace CCA and provide similar levels of protection against decay and insects. These alternative preservatives are considered to be safer for human health and the environment than CCA.

CCA is composed of chromium(VI), copper(II) and arsenic(V) and water.