What is the regulation concerning the use of CCA in residential applications?

The regulation concerning the use of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) in residential applications states that it is prohibited for residential use in the United States. CCA is a wood preservative that has long been used to protect wood from decay and insect damage; however, concerns arose regarding its potential health risks, especially to children and pets through exposure.

As a result of these health concerns and the subsequent scrutiny over the safety of CCA-treated wood, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued regulations prohibiting its use in residential applications in 2003. This means that CCA-treated wood cannot be used for decks, playsets, or any other outdoor structures where people may come into frequent contact with the wood.

Understanding this regulation is crucial, as it is designed to protect public health while still allowing for treatment options that are safer and more environmentally friendly to be used for residential purposes. Other choices regarding encouragement or permitting suggest that there may be some allowance for its use, which is not the case in residential settings in the U.S.