Hoosier warns about CCA's dangers

RIPLEY COUNTY (WISH) - A Ripley County man is reminding and warning Hoosiers about the dangers posed by CCA treated lumber.

CCA is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium, copper, and arsenic.

In September 2000, Artie McGuire and his family began building their dream home.

During construction, McGuire says he purchased what was called "salt treated" lumber to build the wrap around porch. He says in 2003 he learned "salt treated" lumber was a common name for CCA treated lumber.

"We called the retailer, the manufacturer and the chemical company. They assured us there was no problem, no hazards" said McGuire.

The building continued. But as time passed, squirrels and cats on the property began dying.
Artie suffered migraines and rashes. His wife’s hair began falling out, and his daughter began dealing with an outbreak of warts on her legs.

McGuire says he became so ill he needed 24 hour care. His son, a teenager at the time suffered a heart attack.

Medical tests found high levels of arsenic in their bloodstreams.

Health officials came to the home to conduct tests. They found high levels of aresenic inside and outside the home.

Doctors even recommended the McGuires vacate their home.

"We did move out of the home. We are now living in the basement" said McGuire.

Last week EPA crews brought in bulldozers to remove arsenic contaminated soil from areas where the family had burned scraps of the CCA treated wood.

The family file suit against the lumber yard, lumber Manufacturer, and Chemical company responsible for CCA. They say the pending litigation is moving slowly through the court system.

"I want my home back. I want to be able to live like a family. This is our dream home we built as a family with our own hands I want it back" said McGuire

I-Team 8 first started investigating the issue of arsenic in wood nearly 10 years ago.

The problems associated with CCA treated wood aren't new but many people still don't understand the danger of working with, sanding or even touching the wood.

An I-Team 8 investigation back in 2001, "Playing with Poison", tested and found high levels of arsenic in wood at central indiana playgrounds, picnic tables and on your backyard deck.

This is also when the EPA was doing a risk assessment on C-C-A or pressure-treated wood.

Our investigation prompted the late Congresswoman Julia Carson to file a bill requiring a warning on pressure-treated wood.

Months later, the EPA struck a deal with the wood industry to phase out the popular lumber by the end of 2003. This was a voluntary phase-out, so the wood is still being sold. These warnings came too late for the McGuire family.