Is there anyway to tell, without using an arsenic testing kit, if wood has been treated with arsenic or not?

Question

Are there any visual indications one might go off of? Would the wood have an irregular color? Was arsenic only applied to lumber for things like decks? How do I know?

Answer 1

If it is an outdoor wood structure built prior to 2004 then, yes, it was pressure treated with arsenic.  No exceptions.  Your exposure is greatly reduced by making sure your deck or structure is sealed with a stain or paint frequently.  Else if you are highly concerned then you would need to replace the wood.

Answer 2

Yes. There's always the "ex spouse taste test".