Arsenic-Treated Wood Mandatory Labeling Act

H.R. 2721, the Arsenic-Treated Wood Mandatory Labeling Act, would require all wood treated with arsenic-based preservatives sold in the United States to carry a specific warning label. This measure is intended to inform consumers about the presence of arsenic—a known carcinogen—in common building materials like those used for decks, fences, and playground equipment. By providing clear on-product warnings, the bill aims to help citizens take necessary safety precautions when handling, sawing, or maintaining treated wood to minimize health risks. While the bill was introduced in 2001 and did not become law, the wood industry later moved toward a voluntary phase-out of arsenic-treated lumber for most residential uses following similar public health concerns.