ABSTRACT
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a chemical mixture consisting of three pesticide compounds (chromium, copper and arsenic) registered as wood preervatives to prevent fungal or microbial decay. CCA is injected into wood by a process that uses high pressure to saturate wood products with the chemical. CCA-treated wood is commonly used for telephone poles, fence posts, playground equipment, decks, walkways, boat docks and home constructions like fences or pool foors. In this study, a review of the literature was performed, involving articles relating to the toxicology of CCA, a preservative wich is responsible for the largest volume of treated wood in the world. This included relevant information concerning occupationa aspects and public health, particularly its use in homes, parks and playgrounds and aquatic environments to which the public has acess. More attention was given to arsenic, as compared to chromium and copper, because it is the most toxic component in the formula, since it has greater leachinh properties, from wood treated with CCA, as compared to chromium, the second most toxic component. For Brazil BIREME-Latin American and Caribbean Center for Information in Health Sciences was consulted. This gathers 114 Brazilian scientific publications. International literature was researched using Pub Med, a service of the American National Library, wich includes MEDLINE. The periodicals Portal of CAPES was also acessed for international publications, as well as the National system of Toxic-Pharmacological Information - SINITOX...