Hematological, Dermal and Neuropsychological Disease From Burning and Power Sawing Chromium‐copper‐arsenic (Cca)‐treated Wood

Abstract

We have reported on t h e toxic e f f e c t s to 8 members of a rural Wisconsin family who, for 3 years, burned chromium-copper-arsenic (CCAI-trated lumber in a kitchen stove (1,2,3). Symptoms included recurrent alopecia in t h e winter ( t h a t grew back in t h e summer), dermatitis, muscle cramps, malaise, black outs, paresthesias, recurring respiratory symptoms, thrombocytopenia and colic. Concentrations of arsenic in t h e hair of t h e parents were 12-87 parts/million and levels of 105-5,006 ppm were found in t h e fingernails of the family members.The living a r e a of t h e home was heavily contaminated with ashes containing over 1,000 ppm pentavalent arsenate. T h e hazard of improper disposal of CCA-treated lumber is now being publicized, and control e f f o r t s by t h e EPA have been announced (4).

Association between total ingested arsenic and toenail arsenic concentrations

“…6 Includes vegetable curry, fried vegetables, leafy vegetables, mashed vegetables, and mixed vegetables. 7 Includes plain dal and dal with vegetables.…”

“…[1−4] Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that chronic arsenic exposure is associated with the development of non-cancerous skin lesions, [5] neuropathy, peripheral vascular diseases, [6] as well as skin, bladder and lung cancers. [7] While consumption of arsenic-contaminated drinking water is the primary route of exposure, food can provide additional exposure since agricultural produce and livestock can accumulate arsenic from contaminated soil, [8] water, [9] pesticides, [10] forage, and feed supplements.…”

Special Considerations in Hazardous Materials Burns

“…The burning of the wood or working in close proximity without proper ventilation has resulted in arsenic and chromium inhalational poisonings (19,20). Ingestion of the wood-preserving liquid itself has proven fatal.…”

Hair Disorders

“…Approximately 6 weeks later, white transverse lines on all the nails (Mees ' lines) may appear. The importance of hair in this diagnosis is not alopecia (which is rare) but, rather, that arsenic is concentrated in the hair and is detectable for months after exposure (as opposed to being detectable in urine for 7 -10 days after exposure), facilitating a diagnosis even while symptoms improve or after the patient ' s demise [194,195] .…”