Arsenic is easily taken up onto hands from simple contact with the wood surface. It is important to prevent exposure because arsenic can cause cancer and other health effects.
Young children are most at risk.
These exposures to arsenic can be greatly reduced. See the recommendations below. Keep children and pets out of under-deck areas where arsenic may have leached in the past. Don't grow edible plants near CCA-treated decks. Insert a plastic liner on the inside of CCA-boards used to frame garden beds.