Effect of Intake of Water Extracts from CCA Treated Wood and Its Ash on Mice

Lumbers of sapwood of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla Sarg.) were impregnated with CCA wood preservatives. The treated lumbers and their ash obtained after burning them were extracted by cold water. The concentrations of copper, chromium, and arsenic in the extracts were determined by using an atomic absorption analyzer. The extracts were given to mice for three months to observe their effect on the living body. Copper, chromium and arsenic were detected in the extracts from the preserved wood, and chromium and arsenic were detected in the extracts from the ash. The results showed that the concentrations of arsenic and chromium flown out from CCA treated wood or its ash exceeded the criteria specified in the law. However, no significant difference was observed in the weight increase and the serum biochemical properties between the mice that took the water extracts of the treated wood or its ash, and the mice that took the water extracts of the untreated wood or its ash.