Burning pressure treated wood. Is it unsafe or just internet hype?
I've got some excess pressure treated wood I need to dispose of. Is burning it in a fire pit outside really hazardous or is it internet lore? I don't plan on roasting marshmallows in it or breathing in the smoke. I just need to get rid of it.
How bad of an idea it is depends on how old the PT Wood is, and what chemicals were used in treating it. Issues range from the smoke causing Lung Cancer to one tablespoon of the Ash containing lethal dose of certain chemicals.
If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 47....Make America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die!
Bottom line in my opinion ( and I know opinon's are like arse holes ) ... but I would rather dump it rather than burn it.
April 18, 2022, 03:07 PM
ZSMICHAEL
Throw some Oleander on it for good measure!
April 18, 2022, 03:23 PM
calugo
You don't anyone who could put the wood to good use? Id advertise free wood on FB market place, craigs list or just set it in front of your house with a sign that says free wood. Seems to me even if it were safe to burn disposing of it in the trash would be the simpler solution.
April 18, 2022, 03:50 PM
Tirod
Trash goes to landfills and it sits slowly rotting but leaving the chemicals to filter into the ground water system.
The old arsenic treated wood does that. The "new" sodium silicate - which was the actual first treatment process - can be burned. Silicate is that, sandy, and has no toxic fumes IIRC.
Know which it is and handle accordingly.
April 18, 2022, 04:02 PM
RogueJSK
quote:
Originally posted by Ackks: Are you allergic to arsenic?
Aren't we all?
April 18, 2022, 04:03 PM
old dino
quote:
Originally posted by Tirod: Trash goes to landfills and it sits slowly rotting but leaving the chemicals to filter into the ground water system.
The old arsenic treated wood does that. The "new" sodium silicate - which was the actual first treatment process - can be burned. Silicate is that, sandy, and has no toxic fumes IIRC.
Know which it is and handle accordingly.
I did not know this ... good information to learn. Guess now the question is if the pressure treated is the old or new.
April 18, 2022, 04:15 PM
nhracecraft
quote:
Originally posted by Tirod: Trash goes to landfills and it sits slowly rotting but leaving the chemicals to filter into the ground water system.
The old arsenic treated wood does that. The "new" sodium silicate - which was the actual first treatment process - can be burned. Silicate is that, sandy, and has no toxic fumes IIRC.
Know which it is and handle accordingly.
Got a relevant link to reference re: the 'new' sodium silicate treatment of PT Lumber and it's seemingly 'non-toxic' properties?
Having never heard of this I looked, and I'm not finding much of anything re: sodium silicate PT product, nor am I finding anything new.
If Some is Good, and More is Better.....then Too Much, is Just Enough !! Trump 47....Make America Great Again! "May Almighty God bless the United States of America" - parabellum 7/26/20 Live Free or Die!
April 18, 2022, 04:32 PM
ZSMICHAEL
Jimmy Rane would know. Biggest Auburn booster. Owner of Yella Wood, PT lumber.
April 18, 2022, 07:45 PM
Black92LX
In the words of Elton John; I am Still Standing. Burnt plenty of it. Do I use it as the cooking fire or sitting around it for fire pit night? No, but plenty has gone in the burn pile with no ill effects.
But also not burning a huge load like an entire old deck or fence.
———————————————— The world's not perfect, but it's not that bad. If we got each other, and that's all we have. I will be your brother, and I'll hold your hand. You should know I'll be there for you!
April 18, 2022, 07:47 PM
P220 Smudge
quote:
Originally posted by calugo: You don't anyone who could put the wood to good use? Id advertise free wood on FB market place, craigs list or just set it in front of your house with a sign that says free wood.
Yeah, “reclaimed wood” is in, even if it’s modern stuff that been chemicalized. If it saves one tree from being cut down…. Plus, where you live? Someone will snatch it up.This message has been edited. Last edited by: P220 Smudge,
______________________________________________ Endeavoring to master the subtle art of the grapefruit spoon.
April 18, 2022, 08:05 PM
wrightd
It's probably like the state of cauliflower, where everything is toxic and will kill you on contact. But no I wouldn't burn it anyway, i'd slice it up and put it in the trash. I wouldn't breathe the sawdust coming off the saw. In reality I doubt it's a big problem, but to be safe that's what I'd do.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
April 18, 2022, 08:11 PM
Leemur
It was 2003 or 2005 when the arsenic treatment was banned by the EPA. Don’t cook over it or sit there inhaling it with every breath but being exposed to minor amounts isn’t going to kill you.
