CCA became popular in the 1960s, replacing other wood preservatives such as creosote that were deemed less friendly to the environment. Now it dominates the market. According to the wood preservers institute, CCA is used to treat 98 percent of all lumber in the United States. Seven billion board feet of CCA-treated wood are produced each year. Florida, with 15 million people and a climate where wood-destroying organisms thrive, is one of the biggest markets.
Treated wood is needed for docks that stretch into Florida waterfronts.
For walkways that cross wetlands and lead through dunes to sandy beaches. For shady porches and sunny decks perfect for sipping sweet tea. It's the whole lifestyle thing. In Alachua County alone, there are 11,000 decks. It's a safe bet most are made of treated wood.