![]() ![]() While wood is a primary structural element within the range, our Wobbly Wood collection of striking wooden playground pieces also incorporates the use of steel and rope to provide a multi-faceted play design children will love. Connecting children to the great outdoors wooden play equipment complements any outdoor space, while the tactile appeal of timber provides an exciting and intriguing play experience for children to touch and discover. ![]() Natural rustic wood blends beautifully into nature and it offers children the chance to explore different textures, adding another dimension of fun to play. EPA periodically reviews new scientific information for registered products to determine if there is a need for change in the regulatory practices.Wooden Playgrounds Connect Children to Nature EPA reviews toxicity and exposure information on these products before allowing them to be used. The agency responsible for regulating the use of chemicals used in pressure-treated wood is the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is important to note that any exposures can be reduced or eliminated by following the precautions described above. However, under typical use these amounts of arsenic would not be expected to present unusual health concerns. Available sampling data related to the use of CCA-treated wood indicate low but detectable amounts of arsenic residue released from such structures. In the manufacturing or construction process there may be an increased risk of cancer due to significant or prolonged exposure. ![]() Some effects that can be associated with pressure-treated wood are an irritation of skin, eyes, nose or throat. The combination of chemical and wood irritation may lead to an adverse reaction. Different woods have different degrees of irritation. Splinters piercing the skin are a more questionable means of entry. Ingestion occurs most frequently when contaminated hands are put into one’s mouth or contaminated hands are used on food that is being eaten. Toxins may enter the body through the skin or by ingestion. Playground structures and other home-based structures built from pressure-treated wood are most likely to be of the CCA type. Creosote and PCP are the most acutely toxic. The least acutely toxic are Copper Napthenate, Zinc Napthenate, Copper-8, Niedox-10, and Arsenic. Other wood preserving substances used are Copper Napthenate, Zinc Napthenate, Copper-3, Niedox-10 (contains Boric Acid), and Ethylene Glycol. CCA contains Arsenic Pentoxide, Copper Oxide, Chromium (III) Oxide or different related compounds. The most commonly used substances that are or may have been used for playground structures are Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Creosote, Arsenic and related compounds, and CCA. If there are still concerns about using pressure-treated wood, alternatives to consider include: cedar, redwood, painted metal, or plastic.If the pressure-treated wood cracks to expose the interior, but the wood is still structurally sound, apply a double coat of non-toxic, non-slippery wood sealant to the affected area. ![]() Inspect structures for wood decay and/or structural weakness regularly.Do not use wood that shows signs of crystallization or resin on its exterior.Children and staff should wash their hands immediately after playing on wooden playground equipment that contains preservatives. Do not place food, drink or paper products used for eating on preserved or pressure-treated wood products that have not been properly sealed.For all wood treatment substances, including arsenic, double coat the pressure-treated wood with an appropriate non-toxic, non-slippery wood sealant, such as an oil-based stain.Adults should use special precautions in handling pressure-treated wood when constructing the playground or play structures. Children should not be exposed to preserved or pressure-treated wood or its dust during construction.The following precautions, if followed, should significantly reduce or eliminate exposures to arsenic residues from arsenic-treated wood. The MSDS is a summary of properties, health effects, protective precautions used to reduce exposure, and spill cleanup procedures. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the wood treatment substance can be obtained from the supplier. Use a supplier that guarantees this standard. Arsenic-treated wood (the least acutely toxic) should meet the American Wood Preservers' Association commodity standard. Do not use wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol (PCP). ![]()
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