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Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ)
ACQ wood preservatives (types A, B, C, and D) are composed of copper oxide and a quaternary ammonia compound. The absence of chemicals like arsenic or chromium has made ACQ one of the most widely used residential wood preservatives. The EPA has registered ACQ wood treatments for use on lumber, fence posts, decking, landscape ties, utility poles, marine pilings, and other uses. For information and health risks associated with chemicals in ACQ, see the resources below.
For help selecting the proper type of treated wood for any setting, consider consulting the primary standard-setting body for treated wood, the American Wood-Preservers' Association (AWPA).
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Additional Resources on ACQ Treated Wood:
- ACQ - An Alternative to CCA - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC) - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) for Aliphatic Alkyl Quaternaries (DDAC) - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Public Health Statement: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Toxicological Profile: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- ToxFAQs: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Painting ACQ- or CCA-Treated Lumber - University of Missouri Extension
- Field Stake Tests with Copper-based Preservatives International Research Group on Wood Protection
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