Copper naphthenate & Creosote

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

Recently, I learned about a lawsuit involving the wood preservative copper naphthenate. I have seen this before in the form of intermediate floor framing in foundation crawlspaces that has a greenish tinge. I have also seen framing that has been treated with creosote, and has a brownish tinge and a distinctive odor. Apparently both wood-preserving chemicals have been identified as known carcinogens, and in the interests of serving my clients and avoiding litigation I have added two narratives to my program that you're welcome to have and edit as necessary, which read as follows:

Wooden components within the foundation crawlspace have a greenish tinge, which is similar or identical to wood that has been treated with copper naphthenate. Copper naphthenate is alleged to be a carcinogen, or a chemical that is capable of causing cancer. However, I do not have the expertise of the authority to identify or comment on chemical carcinogens and recommend that you consult an industrial hygienist.

Wooden components within the foundation crawlspace have a brownish tinge and a distinctive odor, which is similar or identical to wood that has been treated with creosote. Creosote is alleged to be a carcinogen, or a chemical that is capable of causing cancer. However, I do not have the expertise of the authority to identify or comment on chemical carcinogens and recommend that you consult an industrial hygienist.

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

Oops. I meant to say "or the authority," not "of the authority."

[Jay Moge]

for the people, of the people and by the people....NBD. (no big deal)i too have heard this.

[Russel Ray]

Good writing.

[Patrick M. Sisler]

Keith,

Ditto on the report. Just for your info, Copper Naphthanate also comes in a brown color. I use it as well in my Deck business for wood protection.

Patrick

[Joseph Hagarty]

The Blue / Green tinge could also be a pretreatment of Timbor and/or Bora-Care.

http://www.nisuscorp.com/timbor.html

[Joseph Hagarty]

Originally Posted by kswift

Recently, I learned about a lawsuit involving the wood preservative copper naphthenate. I have seen this before in the form of intermediate floor framing in foundation crawlspaces that has a greenish tinge. I have also seen framing that has been treated with creosote, and has a brownish tinge and a distinctive odor. Apparently both wood-preserving chemicals have been identified as known carcinogens, and in the interests of serving my clients and avoiding litigation I have added two narratives to my program that you're welcome to have and edit as necessary, which read as follows:

Wooden components within the foundation crawlspace have a greenish tinge, which is similar or identical to wood that has been treated with copper naphthenate. Copper naphthenate is alleged to be a carcinogen, or a chemical that is capable of causing cancer. However, I do not have the expertise of the authority to identify or comment on chemical carcinogens and recommend that you consult an industrial hygienist.

Wooden components within the foundation crawlspace have a brownish tinge and a distinctive odor, which is similar or identical to wood that has been treated with creosote. Creosote is alleged to be a carcinogen, or a chemical that is capable of causing cancer. However, I do not have the expertise of the authority to identify or comment on chemical carcinogens and recommend that you consult an industrial hygienist.

Keith:

Timbor, Bora-Care and other Nisus products have not been shown to be known carcinogens.

Alarming Consumers as to the presence of a Cancer Causing Chemical based on the presence of a visible discoloration on lumber could bring Liability from Builders who employ this treatment as a beneficial pretreatment for Mold, Termite and Insect control.

[Robert J. OConnor]

Lumber that has been recently CCA treated also has a greenish tinge. CCA treatment is still acceptable in the industry for lumber where repeated direct contact (especially by children) is not likely ... and it's still available for framing lumber, but not for things like exposed decking or railings.

There is often a fine line between alarming a client and covering yourself liability wise. How about something along the lines of ...

Wood components within the foundation crawlspace have a color and/or odor that is consistent with some type of chemical wood treatment. Wood that is exposed to moisture and deterioration is often treated with chemical preservatives to help protect the wood from the elements and pests. However, exposure to some chemically treated wood may be harmful to people, especially for children and in areas where repeated contact with chemically treated wood is likely. I do not have the expertise of the authority to identify chemical treatments for wood or comment on the relative health risks, and if there is a concern about treated wood a specialist in that field should be contacted.

Just thinking out loud ...

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

Agreed, agreed, agreed. Thanks.