For months, environmental watchdog groups have asked regulators to stop lumber manufacturers from selling wood treated with a pesticide that contains arsenic. Now, industry trade groups and the EPA may be taking action. Observers believe that wood manufacturers have finally agreed to use an alternative nontoxic sealant that does not contain arsenic.

The current lumber treatment process douses wood with arsenic laced chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Environmentalists believe arsenic is leaking from wooden decks, playgrounds, boat docks, and other structures treated with CCA. If true, such seepage could contaminate underlying soil and groundwater. Financial analysts predict that a phase-out of CCA-treated lumber will significantly impact the $4 billion a year industry.

Several top playground design firms have already stopped designing parks with CCA-treated wood. Furthermore, five national playground manufacturers, all facing lawsuits, recently switched to alternative wood pesticides. In addition, the State of Florida has decided to use arsenic-free lumber on all new public projects.