Fire pits are becoming increasingly popular in many residential backyards, allowing people to gather outdoors and enjoy a warm, relaxing fire. So, whether you’re trying to get cozy on a chilly evening, or simply want the warmth and ambience of a crackling fire, the kind of wood you burn significantly affects the experience and safety of your fire pit. A common question that arises when deciding on your firewood is, “Can you burn pressure-treated wood in a fire pit?” In this post, we will provide an overview of why burning pressure-treated wood in a fire pit is not recommended, the potential health and environmental risks, and some alternatives for your outdoor fires.
What is Pressure-Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is a type of lumber that has been treated to increase its durability and resistance to elements such as moisture, insects, and decay. Pressure-treated wood goes through a specialized treatment process in which wood is placed in a pressure chamber and infused with chemical preservatives. Common types of preservatives include chromated copper arsenate (CCA), alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), and copper azole.
These preservatives help wood last longer by protecting wood against harsh weather and insect infestation. Due to its strength, pressure-treated lumber is an attractive product for outdoor construction projects such as fences, decks, and playground equipment
Why People Consider Burning Pressure Treated Wood:
People can be tempted to burn pressure-treated wood because they have easy access to it and they think it is an economical way to create a fire. Perhaps they have leftover construction wood that was pressure-treated, or they’re considering tearing down a dilapidated structure that was built using pressure-treated wood. They may view the wood as a viable option for their fire pit because they have a lot left over.
Some people mistakenly think that all types of wood are safe for burning in a fire pit. Lack of knowledge about the potential hazards often leads people to think that burning pressure-treated wood is harmless, just like burning untreated wood. This assumption often leads to the unintentional burning of pressure-treated wood in fire pits.
Can You Burn Pressure Treated Wood in a Fire Pit?
No, you should never burn pressure-treated wood in a fire pit. The burning of pressure-treated wood releases toxic chemicals into the air, which are harmful to human health. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory issues from inhaling harmful fumes and ash created during burning. There can also be significant risks to skin and eye contact. It’s crucial that you do not burn pressure-treated wood, to keep your family and the environment safe.
Risks of Burning Pressure Treated Wood:
Release of Toxic Chemicals:
When pressure-treated wood is burned, it releases toxic chemicals like chromium, copper, and arsenic into the air in the form of toxic fumes. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause respiratory issues immediately such as coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation. Long-term exposure increases the risk of severe health issues, that you might develop over your lifetime.
Environmental Impact:
Pressure treated wood can significantly contribute to air pollution. It can emit harmful chemicals and If the wood isn’t disposed of properly, this can contribute to environmental contamination as the ash will have hazardous chemicals from the treated wood. This contamination can seep into groundwater or soil, which can harm animals, plants and ecosystems. The most important thing to consider here is to properly and safely dispose of ash, as to prevent further damage to the environment.
Soil Contamination:
Pressure treated wood should never be burned, as the chemicals can be harmful to the land and organisms within it. Arsenic, chromium, and copper will remain in the environment for varying amounts of time essentially threatening the soil, animals, and plants.
Water Pollution:
Pressure treated wood can emit pollutants that can sink into your water source, this might include the local pond, river, or lake. This can have harmful effects on water-based ecosystems, as well as the drinking water for the communities downstream.
Bioaccumulation:
The impact of burning pressure-treated wood on the environment can be incremental. These harmful chemicals from burned treated wood can release toxins into the water. It has the potential to affect the aquatic species that live in that water, but also in the fish that eat contaminated aquatic animals and humans who consume the fish. So, it will bioaccumulate, or build up the concentration of toxins up the food chain.
How can I identify pressure treated wood?
Knowing what pressure-treated wood looks like is important to know what the potential hazards are and how to treat it if necessary. Pressure treated lumber is usually identified by its greenish or brownish hue, which results from the chemical preservatives that are used in the treatment process. It is also not uncommon for you to see small incisions or perforations on the wood surface that are evenly spaced to allow the chemicals to penetrate deeper into the wood. There is a chemical or oily smell that can be smelled on the wood.
To accurate identification that the lumber is treated, review label or stamp on the lumber that says the material was treated, that will be located on the end or the side of the lumber. If you are in doubt if the wood has been treated, it is better to not burn it to avoid the chemical emission to the air. This precaution avoids the possible harm that can be done to people or nature.
Legal Restrictions on Burning Pressure Treated Wood:
The United States has stringent legal regulations on the burning of pressure-treated wood, because the chemicals used to treat the wood can result in health risks. These rules are set in place to safeguard public and environmental health from the dangers of burning this wood.
Federal Regulations:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prohibited certain toxic chemicals, such as chromium, copper, and arsenic, in pressure-treated wood because of the risks associated with their toxicity and volatiles. These chemicals can be released from the wood and contaminate human health and the environment. The EPA’s rules ensure that toxic substances like these are not released through burning, which would protect the health of the public.
State and Local Regulations:
Local and state governments have laws not allowing the burning of pressure-treated wood. Each state may have different laws, but the law has to do with protecting the environment.
Alabama:
Open burning of pressure-treated wood is unauthorized in Alabama under any circumstances. This prohibition is in place to protect air quality and public health.
Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) cautions against the burning or grinding of pressure-treated wood and suggests that a different method of disposal be sought in order to prevent environmental contamination. The agency’s guidance emphasizes the importance of safe handling and disposal practices.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties. The Fire Chief in these areas is not allowed to issue permits for non-conforming burning and these instances may result in strict monetary fines and legal actions. These consequences are intended to act as a deterrent to unlawful burning and achieve better compliance with environmental standards.
It is important to comply with these regulations, both for human health and the environment. Proper disposal of the pressure-treated wood through approved methods is the best approach to managing this material, so that toxic substances do not pose a threat to the community.
Proper Disposal of Pressure Treated Wood:
Properly disposing of pressure-treated wood is important to prevent environmental contamination and to protect public health. To dispose of pressure-treated wood safely, you should take the material to a hazardous waste facility or to a recycling center that accepts treated wood. Hazardous waste facilities have the necessary equipment and processes to properly handle and manage dangerous materials.
Do not burn, bury, or place pressure-treated wood in a regular landfill, as these methods can release toxic chemicals into the environment. Instead, contact your local waste management authority for specific guidelines and methods for properly disposing of the pressure-treated wood in your area. Some municipalities may offer particular collection services or designated drop-off locations for treated wood. By properly disposing of pressure-treated wood, you are helping protect the environment and public safety.
FAQs:
Can burning treated wood kill you?
Burning pressure-treated wood will release poisonous chemicals into the air that can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and possible severe long-term effects, such as cancer. While occasional exposure is not likely to kill you, breathing in these chemicals regularly can lead to serious health issues or, ultimately, death. Therefore, it is essential that you do not burn pressure-treated wood as it presents a serious health risk.
Can you burn pressure treated wood outside?
No, you should not burn pressure-treated wood outdoors or anywhere. When pressure-treated wood is burned, it can release harmful chemicals into the air, such as arsenic, chromium, and copper, which is dangerous for health reasons, as well as toxic for the environment. Some of the possible dangers include respiratory problems, soil and water contamination, and sickening or killing wildlife. It is safer, in general, to always burn natural, untreated wood for any fires outdoors.
Can you burn treated wood after 10 years?
Even after ten years, pressure-treated wood is still hazardous when burned. The presence of chemicals found in treated wood does not vanish, remaining toxic as air pollutants when burn. Irrespective of the age of the wood, burning treated wood may release toxic chemicals into the air that may present significant environmental and health hazards. To ensure safe handling of old treated wood, proper disposal through special facilities is recommended.
What are the signs of toxicity from burning treated wood?
Signs of toxicity from burning treated wood can include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing (respiratory complaints). Likewise, contact with the smoke or ash can cause irritated skin, rashes, or burns (skin complaints). Similarly, eyes can become irritated and watery (eye complaints). More severe exposure can cause severe symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. If you believe you have been exposed to fumes from burning treated wood, seek professional medical attention immediately.
