Chromated copper arsenate , control

New Zealand pasture contaminated by runoff from chromated copper arsenate timber preservation facility 1991 control surface soils contained an average of 19 mg Cu/kg DW, low contamination 109 mg/kg, medium contamination 425 mg/kg, and high contamination 835 mg/kg DW soil Vegetation... 

The most commonly used pesticide is not one we normally call to mind when we consider pesticide use to control insects, weeds and plant diseases in agriculture and forestry. It is creosote, a wood preservative. Its use exceeds that of all other pesticides combined, being used in an amount of approximately 15 million pounds per year. Other wood preservatives in the top ten are pentachlorophenol and chromated copper arsenate, the third and sixth most used pesticides, respectively. The second most commonly used pesticide is a soil fumigant, DD or telone, used at about 3 million pounds per year. 

Control of cancer risk from pesticides can be illustrated by the example of chromated copper arsenate (CCA), used as a wood preservative. The risk estimate was particularly contentious, but despite arguments over the specific numbers, a cancer hazard to children from the arsenic in this product used in decks and play structures could not be denied. These and other residential-related uses were finally phased out in late 2003 (ERA 2008i). CCA is still available for commercial construction. Arsenic continues to be available for household use in ant baits, although the potential for human exposure in this product is relatively low. 

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