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Arsenic in Wooden Decks?

By
Real Estate Agent with Wilkinson & Associates Realty

Consumer Education

I do not wish to alarm anyone but would like your undivided attention for just a few minutes.  I have recently learned that some of the wood we use, is treated with arsenic as a preservative. I do realize this must be essential, and necessary in maintaing wood integrity and longivity, but could be a detriment and harmful to us human beings.  As a result of this wood treatment, the wooden deck that you may be using so frequently for your outdoor activities and cookouts, may pose a dangerous or even deadly health risk if you should lay your food down on it, unprotected for any length of time.  I am writing this post to inform everyone that uses a wooden deck for their picnics, so they will know and can  benefit from this knowledge.  If you should have a wooden deck, there is a strong possibility that the wood could have been treated with arsenic. As we all know, arsenic is a deadly poison, but is apparently a required additive to our wood preservation.  We all know we love decks to eat on in the summertime, and I am sure that some people use them year round for this explicit purpose.   My warnings to you: please do not lay your food down on the wood of the deck, unprotected without a plate, or without  some protection underneath it.  This is especially significant if you should have children of any age utilizing the deck.  I have seen this in the past, before I was aware of this information, where children would lay their hot dogs, cheesburgers, chips on the wood of the deck, only to come back later, pick the food up, and eat it.. Apparently some of this arsenic may seep into the food laid on the deck.  We now know that this is a dreadful thing to do,  and could quite possibly become deadly. Please dispose of any food laid on your deck, so that you may not encounter this problem.   Therefore, as you are enjoying your dog days of summer on the wonderful, secluded wooden deck, please pay close attention to your children, and where they are laying their food. Please,  no Unprotected Hot Dogs, or any unprotected food on the wood of the deck:)

My intentions are not to frighten or discourage you from using your deck.  I just want us all to be well informed, educated consumers. Use your deck  appropriately and safely. Protect your food, and enjoy the marvelous outdoors.  Have a Great summer!

Ginger Moore

704 865 4290

www.charlottelakewyliehomes.com

 http://gmoore.wilkinsonandassociates.com/

Show All Comments Sort:
Ann Dail
Baton Rouge Area Homes, Louisiana, USA, 225-761-0551 - Baton Rouge, LA
Broker/Realtor,CRS, ePRO, SRS, B.A.Chem

I wasn't aware of this.  I'll check it out more.

Jul 27, 2009 09:33 AM
Ginger Moore
Wilkinson & Associates Realty - Gastonia, NC

Yes, I was not aware of this, until last fall.  We attended a continuing education course and the speaker told us of this. He is a very reputable speaker out of Charlotte, so I know he told the truth. He speaks all over the Carolinas, and runs a continuing education school for real estate professionals.   I won't say his name here, but if you e-mail me, I will be happy to supply his name.   thank you for your comments and have a great day!

Jul 27, 2009 10:07 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

WOW!  I didn't know either.  Wooden decks are not common here in the desert southwest but they are common where I grew up at - Nebraska.  Thanks for the 411!

Jul 29, 2009 12:29 AM
Ginger Moore
Wilkinson & Associates Realty - Gastonia, NC

Yes, Renee, It is true. Apparently our wood is treated to protect it, with arsenic.  thanks for your comments! have a great day!

Jul 29, 2009 01:07 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Here in Hawaii you need to paint the decks or they won't last long.  I noticed this summer that some people in Canada just leave their decks as bare wood.  That seemed kind of strange to me.  If you paint the deck it will last a lot longer.  Then you could eat food right off the deck!

Nov 29, 2009 12:46 PM
Ginger Moore
Wilkinson & Associates Realty - Gastonia, NC

Yes, I am sure that is a superb idea Georgina.  I don't know if the arsenic can still come through or not, if you paint, or stain your deck.  To be safe, I think I would use a paper plate or something, under the food.  Thank you for stopping by, and Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Nov 29, 2009 12:55 PM