CCA vs AC2 [Are They Equal? Or So Different?]

When it comes to protecting wood from pests and decay, wood preservatives are an essential tool. Two of the most commonly used wood preservatives are Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Alkaline Copper Quat (AC2).

Both have been used extensively in the past to protect the wood from insects, fungi, and other types of damage. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice over the other depending on your specific needs and concerns.

In this article, we will explore the differences between CCA and AC2, including their effectiveness, safety, and availability. This information will help you make an informed decision about which wood preservative is the right choice for your project.

You'll Learn About

What Is CCA?

CCA, or Chromated Copper Arsenate, is a type of wood preservative that has been widely used in the past to protect the wood from pests and decay. It is made up of a mixture of copper, chromium, and arsenic, which are toxic to pests and fungi that can damage the wood.

When CCA is applied to wood, it penetrates the surface and reacts with the wood cells to create a barrier that is toxic to pests and fungi. This barrier helps to prevent wood rot and insect infestation, which can significantly extend the lifespan of wood structures.

CCA has been in use since the 1930s and was once the most widely used wood preservative in the world. It was particularly popular for use in outdoor structures like decks, fences, and playground equipment, as well as for marine and industrial applications.

However, in recent years, concerns about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure have led to a decline in the use of CCA and the development of safer alternatives. Despite this, CCA-treated lumber is still available for purchase in some areas.

Concerns About CCA

One of the main concerns about CCA is the potential health risks associated with arsenic exposure. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

In addition, arsenic can be toxic to the nervous system, and high levels of exposure can cause symptoms like tremors, weakness, and numbness.

Given the potential health risks of arsenic exposure, there have been efforts in recent years to phase out the use of CCA and find safer alternatives.

In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a voluntary cancellation of the registration for CCA for use in most residential wood products, citing concerns about the potential risks of arsenic exposure to children. Despite this, CCA-treated lumber is still available for purchase in some areas and is still used in certain industrial and marine applications.

Introduction To AC2

AC2 is a wood preservative that uses a mixture of copper and a quaternary ammonium compound to protect wood against pests and decay. It is applied to wood in a similar way to CCA, but it does not contain arsenic, which makes it a safer choice for use around children and pets.

AC2 is typically more expensive than CCA-treated lumber, but it may be worth the extra cost for those who are concerned about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure.

In terms of effectiveness, both CCA and AC2 are effective at protecting wood from pests and decay, but AC2 may be more effective at protecting wood from certain types of pests and decay. Overall, the choice between CCA and AC2 will depend on your specific needs and concerns.

Benefits Of AC2

Does Not Contain Arsenic

One of the main benefits of AC2 is that it does not contain arsenic, which makes it a safer choice for use around children and pets. This is particularly important for those who are concerned about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure, as CCA-treated lumber contains arsenic and has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

More Effective at Protecting Wood

In terms of effectiveness, AC2 may also be more effective at protecting wood from certain types of pests and decay. This is because the combination of copper and quaternary ammonium compounds in AC2 provides a broader spectrum of protection than CCA, which is primarily effective against fungi.

Resistant to Leaching

AC2 is also more resistant to leaching, which means that it is less likely to lose its effectiveness over time due to exposure to water or other environmental factors.

Overall, the use of AC2-treated lumber can provide added peace of mind for those who are concerned about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure and want to ensure that their wood structures are protected from pests and decay.

Drawbacks Of AC2

More Expensive

One of the main drawbacks of AC2-treated lumber is that it is typically more expensive than CCA-treated lumber. This is due, in part, to the fact that AC2 is a newer wood preservative and the production process may be more expensive.

Lower Demand

In addition, the demand for AC2-treated lumber may be lower than the demand for CCA-treated lumber, which can also contribute to higher prices.

Limited Availability

Another potential drawback of AC2-treated lumber is its limited availability compared to CCA-treated lumber. While CCA-treated lumber is still widely available in many areas, AC2-treated lumber may be harder to find, particularly in smaller markets or rural areas.

This may make it more difficult to find AC2-treated lumber for certain projects or to purchase it in the quantities needed.

Overall, the choice between CCA and AC2 will depend on your specific needs and concerns, as well as your budget. While AC2-treated lumber may be a safer and potentially more effective option, it may also be more expensive and harder to find.

It is important to consider all of these factors before making a decision on which wood preservative to use.

What’s The Difference Between CCA and AC2? Are They Equal?

However, due to concerns about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure, many people have started looking for alternatives to CCA-treated lumber.

The Difference

AC2, or Alkaline Copper Quat, is one such alternative. It is a wood preservative that uses a mixture of copper and a quaternary ammonium compound to protect wood against pests and decay. Unlike CCA, AC2 does not contain arsenic, which makes it a safer choice for use around children and pets.

AC2-treated lumber is typically more expensive than CCA-treated lumber, but it may be worth the extra cost for those who are concerned about the potential health risks of arsenic exposure.

It is also worth noting that CCA-treated lumber will continue to be available for the next several years, but many retailers are gradually phasing it out in favor of AC2 and other safer alternatives. So, it is up to you to decide whether the added cost of AC2 is worth it for your specific project and needs.

Are They Some What Equal?

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative that was widely used in the United States until January 2004. It contains arsenic, which is a known carcinogen and has been linked to health concerns.

As a result, the use of CCA for residential use was phased out and replaced with the use of Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CBA) as wood preservatives. ACQ and CBA are considered to be less harmful to human health and the environment, but they are more corrosive to metal fasteners.

CCA is still used for certain industrial and marine applications, but it is not commonly used in residential construction. It is important for buyers of new buildings to be aware of the type of lumber and fasteners being used in their construction to ensure structural performance and service life.

Chemical composition	CCA contains chromium, copper, and arsenic, while ACQ contains copper and quaternary ammonium compounds.
Tint	CCA imparts a greenish tint to timber, while ACQ does not.
Health risks	CCA is linked to health concerns such as cancer, while ACQ is considered to be less harmful to human health.
Environmental risks	CCA is considered to be more harmful to the environment than ACQ.
Corrosiveness	ACQ is more corrosive to metal fasteners than CCA.
Residential use	CCA is no longer used for residential use in the United States, while ACQ is commonly used.
Industrial use	CCA is still used for certain industrial and marine applications, while ACQ is not commonly used in these applications.
Availability	CCA is not readily available for residential use, while ACQ is widely available.
Application method	CCA is applied through a pressure treatment process, while ACQ is applied through a water-based treatment process.
Cost	ACQ is generally more expensive than CCA.
Durability	ACQ is considered to be more durable than CCA.
Preservation method	CCA is a mix of chromium, copper and arsenic formulated as oxides or salts, while ACQ is a water based wood preservative.
Weathering	ACQ is resistant to weathering and UV rays, while CCA is not.
Leaching	CCA has been known to leach arsenic, while ACQ does not.
Safety Standards	ACQ meets stricter safety standards than CCA.

CCA vs AC2

Final Words

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) are two types of wood preservatives that have different characteristics and use.

CCA was widely used in the United States until January 2004 for residential use, but it was phased out due to health concerns related to its main component, arsenic. ACQ is now commonly used as an alternative for residential construction and is considered to be less harmful to human health and the environment.

However, ACQ is more corrosive to metal fasteners and is generally more expensive. It’s important for buyers of new buildings to be aware of the type of lumber and fasteners being used in their construction to ensure structural performance and service life.

It is also essential to consider safety standards and regulations when choosing between CCA and ACQ. Some people also like to use drainless water softeners.