| Stain for Identifying Arsenic in Treated Wood |
| A non-toxic and easy to use colorimetric assay for arsenic in treated wood has been developed and optimized. Arsenic is toxic to humans, and can be readily dislodged or leached out of treated wood products, including mulch and structures such as wood decks. |
| Billions of board feet per year of treated wood containing arsenic-based preservatives will either remain in service or will enter the solid waste stream. Although retail sales of these products stopped in 2004, treated wood can last anywhere from 20-50 years. A test kit based on this invention can be marketed to consumers to determine if arsenic is present in wood and wood products around their homes. |
| Compared to other tests, this invention is an inexpensive, simple and non-toxic test that can be easily used by consumers and government agencies. |
| Helena Solo-Gabriele, Amy Omae and Timothy Townsend |
