What Happens If You Burn Pressure Treated Wood?

Burning Process

• In addition to giving off smoke and leaving behind ashes, burning pressure treated wood also contaminates the soil or area you are burning the wood in. The heavy metals release fumes long after the fire is out. If you attempt to remove the ashes without wearing a respirator-type nose mask, you will inhale the toxic ash directly into your lungs. The ash can also enter your body through your skin, eyes and mucous membranes and cause nervous system problems in addition to respiratory system problems.

Older Pressure Treated Wood

• Pressure treated wood produced prior to December 31, 2003 contains arsenic and is illegal to burn in the United States due to the release of arsenic into the air. A piece of 12 foot 2 inch-by-6 inch pressure treated wood contains approximately 27 grams of arsenic -- enough to kill 250 adults. Newer pressure treated wood is arsenic-free but still contains chemicals that release toxic fumes into the air.

Warning Signs

• Other than smoke emitting into the air, you won’t notice respiratory effects of burning pressure treated wood containing arsenic, copper, chromates and other toxic chemicals. Arsenic does not have a specific odor or taste. But you may start coughing due to the smoke. Over time, arsenic will cause your hair to fall out and you will experience headaches and nosebleeds, fatigue and disorientation. Repeat exposure to the chemical can lead to death. Copper, chromates and other chemicals in pressure treated wood may or may not have a specific odor or taste when inhaling the smoke since the chemicals are blended into one.

Recycling

• Contact your area waste management or hazardous waste service about picking up any pressure treated wood you no longer need or want instead of burning it. The service will dispose of the wood, both older and newer pressure treated wood, in special landfills that process materials containing arsenic and toxic chemicals. These landfills are regulated by guidelines set by the EPA.