I'm Not a Chemist; How Difficult is the Test?
The test is designed for consumers, not laboratory technicians. With that in mind, the
test is very simple. If you can test pool water (very easy), then you can easliy perform
this test.
How Can I Be Sure that the Results Are Correct?
The test is basically yields a yes or no answer. If the reaction vessel turns blue, then
the would has been treated with CCA or ACZA and contains arsenic. There is no
safe level in CCA treated wood for arsenic, so we are not concerned with how
much is present, rather is arsenic there or not.
Are the Reagent Test Chemicals Safe?
Absolutely. The reagents are non-toxic and completely safe.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The actual hands-on mixing of the reagents with the wood takes about 10 minutes.
After the reagents and wood are mixed, wait 45 minutes to see if the reaction vessel
turns blue, indicating your wood contains arsenic.
How Do I Collect a Wood Sample?
If testing wood chips or mulch, collect 1/3 teaspoon. You may have to break the
chip into pieces to obtain a small enough sample. If your are testing a deck, a
playground, fence, etc, then you will need to obtain a 1/3 teaspoon sample by either
using a drill to collect the saw dust, or a flat-screwdriver (or awl) to carve off a 1/3
teaspoon sample.
What Happens if I Burn Arsenic Wood?
Burning CCA wood creates a highly toxic ash. One tablespoon of ash from a CCA
wood fire contains a lethal does of arsenic. This has serious implications for
firefighters and job site clean-up operations.
The test is designed for consumers, not laboratory technicians. With that in mind, the
test is very simple. If you can test pool water (very easy), then you can easliy perform
this test.
How Can I Be Sure that the Results Are Correct?
The test is basically yields a yes or no answer. If the reaction vessel turns blue, then
the would has been treated with CCA or ACZA and contains arsenic. There is no
safe level in CCA treated wood for arsenic, so we are not concerned with how
much is present, rather is arsenic there or not.
Are the Reagent Test Chemicals Safe?
Absolutely. The reagents are non-toxic and completely safe.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The actual hands-on mixing of the reagents with the wood takes about 10 minutes.
After the reagents and wood are mixed, wait 45 minutes to see if the reaction vessel
turns blue, indicating your wood contains arsenic.
How Do I Collect a Wood Sample?
If testing wood chips or mulch, collect 1/3 teaspoon. You may have to break the
chip into pieces to obtain a small enough sample. If your are testing a deck, a
playground, fence, etc, then you will need to obtain a 1/3 teaspoon sample by either
using a drill to collect the saw dust, or a flat-screwdriver (or awl) to carve off a 1/3
teaspoon sample.
What Happens if I Burn Arsenic Wood?
Burning CCA wood creates a highly toxic ash. One tablespoon of ash from a CCA
wood fire contains a lethal does of arsenic. This has serious implications for
firefighters and job site clean-up operations.
© 2009 Gaia Dynamics, LLC All Rights Reserved
| Still Have Questions about Testing Your Wood for Arsenic? Please Email Us at info@arsenichometest.com |
Frequently Asked Questions:
