It is the opinion of the RIVM that the use of wood treated with copperchromium salts in playground structures and home projects is safe for children at play and for do-it-yourselfers. This conclusion is based on recent data on exposure to and effects of hexavalent chromium. Wood is impregnated with a solution of copper-chromium salts to prevent dry rot, and prolong the in-service life.
A 1998 risk assessment by RIVM for wood impregnated with copperchromium-arsenic salts demonstrated a possible risk due to the presence of arsenic, as well as hexavalent chromium. This lead the Netherlands' government to explore a ban on the import/use of such treated wood. The European Commission banned the use of arsenic in treated wood for consumers in 2004.
The most important uncertainties surrounding the risk of hexavalent chromium have been further addressed by new data. These new data have enabled estimation all relevant risks of hexavalent chromium residues in wood used for playground structures and for home projects, including allergic dermatitis and potential carcinogenicity.