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FAQ #22732

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I am redoing a garden and plan to plant edibles. I am resistant to using timbers treated with preservatives. Can I use redwood untreated?

Related resource areas: Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes

Regarding the safety of wood treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA): On Feb. 12, 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a voluntary decision by the industry to move consumer use of treated lumber products away from a variety of pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic by Dec. 31, 2003, in favor of new alternative wood preservatives. Here's an excerpt from the EPA's decision:
"Are there alternatives to using CCA-treated wood? A number of preservatives have been registered by EPA, and wood treated with these preservatives are expected to be available in the marketplace. In addition, untreated wood (e.g., cedar and redwood) and nonwood alternatives, such as plastics, metal, stone, and composite materials, are available. Your local hardware store or lumberyard can provide more information on available alternatives."

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