Lumber that has been treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) will over time leach out arsenic. There are many outdoor play scapes, sand boxes, fences, and picnic tables that have been constructed with pressure treated lumber over the past decades.
How concerned should a parent be? Pressure treated lumber new and older boards (those in use for several years) both leach significant amounts of arsenic to the surface of the wood. Arsenic on the surface of the wood is easily transferred to the skin. Young children, especially under the age of 6 tend to have frequent hand to mount interaction increase the likelihood of swallowing some of the arsenic. Also, children under the age of 6 tend to spend prolonged hours on playground structures and tend to play under the structure for extended periods of time.
What can be done to reduce the effects? For existing structures built from CCA materials, the best way to minimize the arsenic leaching is to seal the wood every two years. Applying the proper sealant will help reduce the wood from cracking and splintering, it can also greatly decrease the amount of arsenic leaching from the wood. Talk with your local home improvement store about available coatings.
Hand washing is effective in reducing the exposure to arsenic, but this is only practical after the child is done playing on the structure. Sealants are the best way of protecting children from the arsenic exposure.
