Hello,
From what I understand, pressure-treated wood has been quite toxic, and when cutting it, one should use, among other things, respiratory protection. From what I understand, this still applies even though the worst toxins have been removed?
At the same time, I see people putting together outdoor dining tables and similar items with pressure-treated wood?
So how toxic is it really? Are there any risks with using it as an outdoor railing for an entrance staircase? The idea is to paint it, which would seal the wood, so the risks are likely even smaller.
The alternative is to use untreated wood and choose a better paint that is regularly maintained.
From what I understand, pressure-treated wood has been quite toxic, and when cutting it, one should use, among other things, respiratory protection. From what I understand, this still applies even though the worst toxins have been removed?
At the same time, I see people putting together outdoor dining tables and similar items with pressure-treated wood?
So how toxic is it really? Are there any risks with using it as an outdoor railing for an entrance staircase? The idea is to paint it, which would seal the wood, so the risks are likely even smaller.
The alternative is to use untreated wood and choose a better paint that is regularly maintained.
One does not eat the wood. Cannot see any danger with pressure-treated wood under normal use.
Using a protective mask when sawing, that was news. I have probably never seen anyone use it when planks are sawn.
There are likely greater dangers in one's vicinity than pressure-treated wood.
Using a protective mask when sawing, that was news. I have probably never seen anyone use it when planks are sawn.
There are likely greater dangers in one's vicinity than pressure-treated wood.
Pretty implied that one doesn't eat the wood.E etompau said:
Impregnation is done with a mixture of chemicals, the substances used vary with the manufacturer and you should definitely watch out for older treated wood as they contain significantly more hazardous substances.
This article seems to be comprehensive: https://www.kemi.se/global/faktablad/faktablad-om-impregnerat-virke.pdf
There you can read:
So my memory wasn't entirely faulty
There are obviously reasons why impregnated wood isn't recommended for things like sandboxes, planting boxes, etc.
Making a dining table out of pressure-treated wood sounds completely crazy.
In the past, there were "toxic" chemicals, so you don't need to worry about that anymore, and most of what we use is AB-class, meaning not soil or water. I have a fence made from pressure-treated wood, primed and painted (sprayed) on all sides with alkyd oil paint. Made in the early '90s, no rot but it's time to repaint. Had to wait about 6 months with painting so the wood was dry enough. Just proceed as you would with regular wood.
>"One should also avoid inhaling sanding dust that can arise during the processing of the wood."
Sanding dust is unhealthy regardless of whether it's treated or not. However, during sawing, the particles become (for the most part) too large to penetrate the lungs.
Sanding dust is unhealthy regardless of whether it's treated or not. However, during sawing, the particles become (for the most part) too large to penetrate the lungs.
Precautionary principle. Since it's unknown what type of treatment the wood has, it's better to refrain. Sandboxes that are sold ready-made are often pressure-treated, the same goes for planter boxes. Regarding planting, the plants you place in these might also be sensitive to copper salts...S snowjim said:
It is simply the precautionary principle that tells us not to use pressure-treated wood when it's not necessary.
The PDF that was linked to earlier mainly deals with older creosote-treated wood. Today, many products made from pressure-treated wood are manufactured and sold. For example, playground equipment like climbing frames and sandboxes, outdoor furniture, etc. I think this indicates that there is no evidence that it would be harmful to humans, at least not with normal handling and use. Otherwise, there would likely be more restrictions or prohibitions.
But generally, it is advisable not to use wood with a higher classification than what is necessary for the purpose. Again, the precautionary principle, not burdening the environment more than necessary. Then one could consider what the environmental impact would be if comparing an unpainted pressure-treated board with a painted untreated board, taking into account the total environmental impact from paint, brush cleaning, etc.
http://www.traskydd.com/1.0.2.0/115/1/
https://www.radron.se/artiklar/virke-med-daligt-rykte/
EDIT: Some repetition of the previous post that I didn't see until I posted.
The PDF that was linked to earlier mainly deals with older creosote-treated wood. Today, many products made from pressure-treated wood are manufactured and sold. For example, playground equipment like climbing frames and sandboxes, outdoor furniture, etc. I think this indicates that there is no evidence that it would be harmful to humans, at least not with normal handling and use. Otherwise, there would likely be more restrictions or prohibitions.
But generally, it is advisable not to use wood with a higher classification than what is necessary for the purpose. Again, the precautionary principle, not burdening the environment more than necessary. Then one could consider what the environmental impact would be if comparing an unpainted pressure-treated board with a painted untreated board, taking into account the total environmental impact from paint, brush cleaning, etc.
http://www.traskydd.com/1.0.2.0/115/1/
https://www.radron.se/artiklar/virke-med-daligt-rykte/
EDIT: Some repetition of the previous post that I didn't see until I posted.
What I understand is that it shouldn't get into the bloodstream and without being a doctor, I assume it can happen even if they only sit in the nose.M mlkjhr said:
But yes, some other types of wood can be dangerous, for example lövvedd which is carcinogenic.
There is really no reason not to use protection if you are not 100%, then of course it is up to each person where to draw the lines.
I get the impression that there is some uncertainty, which is perhaps not so surprising given that the "new" pressure-treated wood came in 2002. Knowing how it affects humans probably takes longer than that. Additionally, different manufacturers use different chemicals, making it difficult to generalize anything.
How do dining tables sold in stores work? Surely they must be classified for food consumption/food safety? Does a pressure-treated table meet those requirements? Or do they just assume it has no impact?
In this case, it involves 4 boards that will also be painted, which makes pressure-treated wood less necessary.
How do dining tables sold in stores work? Surely they must be classified for food consumption/food safety? Does a pressure-treated table meet those requirements? Or do they just assume it has no impact?
In this case, it involves 4 boards that will also be painted, which makes pressure-treated wood less necessary.
Do you put the food directly on the dining table?
Most dining tables probably have some surface treatment in the form of lacquer, wax, stain, etc.
There are a bunch of agencies and authorities, both national and via the EU, that review chemicals in society. I think your argument doesn't hold. Do you go around worrying about what impregnated wood might cause in several decades?
Most dining tables probably have some surface treatment in the form of lacquer, wax, stain, etc.
There are a bunch of agencies and authorities, both national and via the EU, that review chemicals in society. I think your argument doesn't hold. Do you go around worrying about what impregnated wood might cause in several decades?
Yeah? If you make a sandwich/bun, it's not uncommon to skip the plate. What do you do if you drop a cucumber or something similar on a table?E etompau said:
It might be a bit far-fetched, but you often come into direct skin contact with a dining table, and at the same time, it's not uncommon to eat with your hands in one way or another.
As I understand it, there is food-grade oil, wax, and lacquer.
But sure, it is very possible that there are no food safety requirements for dining tables, but then maybe it should be clear that food should not come into contact with the table (if there is indeed a risk).
I'm not well-versed in that area; if I were, I probably wouldn't have asked the question here. But there are evidently different types of materials and chemicals that have been used over the years that later turn out to be harmful to health in one way or another. When it's particularly pointed out that impregnated wood shouldn't be used, for example, for sandboxes and raised garden beds, you naturally start to wonder.E etompau said:
I don't know if I can claim to have put forth any direct arguments in the thread that pressure-treated wood is dangerous/harmless. I'm rather seeking reliable information, and I understand that sometimes it's more about where one personally draws the line.