My Father in law is making a sand box for my son with lumber treated with Copper Azole CA-B. I have looked at websites that give information on it, but I haven't found an answer that relates directly to sand boxes. My concern is if the chemical will leach into the sand and if it is harmful to a young child that will most likely live in it with his trucks and tractors. Any help would be appreciated.
2007-05-21 12:31:06 · 9 answers · asked by desperado4363 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
New treated lumber is much safer than the arsenic-treated wood of a few years ago. If the wood is wet, and often treated lumber, which is steam-pressure treated is, make sure it has dried out completely. You can also apply a sealer to the top, bottom and inside of the box, to stop any leakage of "chemicals" though they should be safe anyway. Don't seal the outside perimeter to allow any moisture to escape the lumber as it cures. Cedar rots fast in contact with the ground, don't recommend it, I have a treated sanbox that is still used after 18 years--though it is now a raised garden..
2007-05-21 13:23:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't let my kid play in a sandbox made of treated wood. Any treatment, cuprizole or arsenic is inherently a poison. Although it may not leach out detectably, you're toddler is rubbing his hands and body on it. Guys who work with this stuff usually wear a mask while cutting it, for self-protection... If you're stuck with the already-built box, at least put a few coats of high quality outdoor paint on it to seal it. Unfortunately, paint will not stick very well to treated wood.
2007-05-21 12:40:42 · answer #2 · answered by squeezie_1999 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would keep away from that!!!!!!!!!!!
Father in law is old school for sure but..............
1-the sand box does not have to last forever,even if you have three more children your not lookin at 20 years of sand play.
2-not only will the cancer causing wood preservative leach into the sand,think of the splinters.
3-Cedar or hemlock would be a better choice of wood,maybe white oak(red?)one works well out side
2007-05-21 12:43:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reality about treated wood is that if you don't eat it you will be okay. But, like some of the others answers, I would use cedar or cypress boards. They will last as long as the kids will ever use it and you will have peace of mind.
Copper Azole (CA-B) is 96.1% copper and is the new alternative to Copper Chromated Arsenic(CCA).
It contains no arsenic. Don't let the kids eat the cedar either. They can get sick from that too. There is a reason the bugs don't eat it.
http://www.ptw-safetyinfo.ca/ca.htm
2007-05-21 13:07:04 · answer #4 · answered by St. Brandon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I don't have kids, but if it where me,I'd ask him to make it with non treated lumber.I would be sceptical of any treated wood being used for a child's play area.Bye
2007-05-21 12:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with your local Home Depot or Lowe's. They know their building specialties. Any type of treated wood may be harmful to younger children, remember not only will it be holding their sand, but they will be sitting on it and playing around it which means splinters. Good Luck!
2007-05-21 12:40:20 · answer #6 · answered by Kimberly P 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No worries, pressure treated wood is highly desirable for this installation and the chemicals used for this process are pressurized too deeply into the wood for it to cause any harm.
2007-05-21 12:38:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has not started, get him to use either cedar boards or cypress - bugs and rot don't get to them and they will last longer than treated.
2007-05-21 12:35:26 · answer #8 · answered by Polyhistor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't do it until you are sure. Every time he gets a little sick you will wonder if it is the sandbox
2007-05-21 12:36:48 · answer #9 · answered by mel s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
2007-05-21 14:30:25 · answer #10 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋