Can I Use Pressure-Treated Lumber Inside the House?

Wood Preservatives

• Pressure-treated lumber includes preservatives to protect the wood from damage by insects, mold and moisture. Those preservatives typically include arsenic, chromium and copper. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection notes that arsenic is toxic and has been associated with the development of lung and skin cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has registered other wood preservatives for commercial use that don't require the use of arsenic. Nonetheless, wood containing arsenic is still available, so ensure any pressure-treated lumber you use indoors is arsenic-free.

Precautions

• Viance, a company that's formulated several types of wood preservatives, indicates that pressure-treated lumber can be used indoors. Avoid breathing in any sawdust produced from working with pressure-treated lumber during construction. The preservatives applied to lumber often classify as pesticides, which are necessary to prevent mold, mildew and insect damage. Ensure that sawdust and other debris from the lumber is disposed of properly after the construction project.

Restrictions

• Pressure-treated wood products generally don't emit harmful vapors, according to Viance. Nonetheless, the company warns consumers to check a manufacturer's recommended uses for treated lumber before using the wood inside your home. Viance also warns that pressure-treated lumber should never be used to construct kitchen countertops or any other surface that might come into contact with food, which may absorb the pesticides in the wood.

Alternatives

• Consider alternatives to using pressure-treated lumber inside your home before you install it. Cedar, redwood and other hardwoods don't contain arsenic and are often good substitutes for pressure-treated lumber. Some metals and plastics also may be good alternatives, especially if you're concerned about preventing wood rot in a damp area. Install pressure-treated wood in areas with little human contact if you still want to use the wood inside your home.