Benefits of MCA
Our MCA treatment sets us apart
ProWood® MCA treated lumber and products use an innovative micronized copper solution. MCA, or Micronized Copper Azole, is an effective and reliable protectant against rot, fungal decay and termites in above-ground and ground-contact applications. Developed over years from intensive research and development, the formula today is subjected to ongoing, rigorous testing in thousands of test stakes at industry-recognized field test site locations all over the world.
Carefully Selected Preservative Supplier
ProWood relies on Koppers Performance Chemicals (KPC), a trusted and well-known leader in preservation chemistry. KPC continually evaluates a variety of preservative formulations; more than a thousand micronized copper treated test stakes have been evaluated since the early 2000s. In addition, in accordance with AWPA Standard E7, independent ISO-accredited testing agencies have conducted their own intensive testing of this preservative system.
KPS has provided detailed test data to the AWPA (American Wood Protection Association) for review in their standard setting process, and is approved by the AWPA standard. AWPA used this data to set the levels at which to allow the preservative to be used for different end use applications. More detail can be obtained from AWPA direction at http://www.awpa.com.
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Why use ProWood pressure-treated lumber?Lumber's greatest enemy is biological attack — destruction by termites, fungi and marine borers — as well as damage from rain, sun and wind. Thanks to over 50 years of research, ProWood can stand up to every threat for decades of use.
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How safe is ProWood?ProWood treated wood is very safe when used as directed in the appropriate applications. The preservative injected reacts with the wood to form an insoluble complex that won't evaporate or vaporize. ProWood is clean, odorless, non-staining, and safe to work with and handle. Its built-in protection is non-irritating for dermal contact with children, adults, animals and plants. We have carefully and exhaustively studied the minute amounts of preservative released during a ProWood structure's serviceable lifetime. The conclusion is clear: ProWood is also safe, long-term, for the environment and for contact with people and pets. In our opinion, ProWood MCA treated wood — as with any wood product — should not be used where household pets would be likely to chew or ingest the wood. The process used to treat ProWood is the first to gain Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) as certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Scientific Certification Systems is a third-party certification services and standards development company. According to the EPA, to be EPP certified means that the product has a reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared to other products that serve the same purpose.
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What does it mean to be a Certified Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP)?The process used to treat ProWood is the first to gain Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) status as certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). Scientific Certification Systems is a third-party certification services and standards development company. According to the EPA, to be EPP certified means that the product has a reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared to other products that serve the same purpose.
