Is sanding pressure-treated wood hazardous?

Question

So i just sanded down some pressure treated wood and i was wondering if it would be bad on my body (internally) and the environment because of all the chemicals. The wood is treated with copper azole. I lost the dust collection bag on the sander so the dust is all over the ground. I also got the dust all over my clothes. So my questions are:

1) will the chemicals damage me internally? (am i going to die of cancer? lol)

2) how should i clean up the dust on the ground? (do i have to?)

3) Does it matter that it got all over my clothes? (do i need to throw them out or just wash them?)

THANKS

Answer 1

well its not good for you i can honestly tell you that.but people have been building docks over our lakes and rivers for years on end all that saw dust hasnt killed us yet.of course who knows about the long run.they are using differant chems now than they used a few years ago so who knows what your sucking into your lungs

Answer 2

I would have advised wearing eye protection and a dust mist mask when doin it, but it seems that you already have.

Your exposure to the chenicals should be minimal if you did as I suggested. Even if you did not, It is highly unlikely that a single exposure would increase your risk of harm from things like cancer in a significant way. As far as the dust goes, I would suggest that you sweep it up and dump it in the trash. If you are concerned about breething the dust again wear a mask. For your clothing, washing it should do the trick. If you have concerns, wash them seperately.

I hope that helps.