What is ACQ?
ACQ stands for Alkaline Copper Quat, a wood preservative formulation that contains copper and quaternary ammonium compound (quat) as active ingredients. The central ingredient is 100% recycled copper. It is widely used in organic garden applications. Copper is a very cost-effective fungicide protecting against decay. It also provides some protection against termite attack. Alkaline is a natural base. The Quat provides protection against termites and certain types of fungi that are tolerant of copper. It is used in pools, shampoos and hospital mop washes. Together, the advanced compound of ACQ creates an environmentally advanced wood preservative.

What does it replace?
ACQ replaces CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate). Chromium is a heavy metal listed by the EPA as a hazardous compound. Even in minute quantities, it is a proven killer of plant and marine life. Arsenic is a known carcinogen at very low levels. Indeed, a 12-foot 2x6 contains more than an ounce of arsenic, enough to kill 250 adults if they were to ingest it. One can be exposed to the dangers of CCA through handling, contact with sawdust, leaching, and its disposal. The EPA requires a warning label for each pallet of lumber treated with CCA but not when treated with ACQ.
 

ACQ characteristics and advantages:
· Easily painted and stained
· Disposed with ordinary trash collection
· Handler safe
· Kid, garden, and wetland safe
· No heavy metals or toxic leaching

How does ACQ perform in comparison to CCA?
ACQ equals or betters wood treated with other preservatives. Thoroughly tested, ACQ has a limited lifetime warranty. It can be used in any application that requires pressure treated lumber. It has obvious benefits when used in wetlands, playgrounds, gardens and decks.
 

Environmental Benefits
ACQ lumber combines an Alkaline, Quat and 100% recycled copper to create an environmentally advanced wood preservative.  These ingredients produce a product that is much safer to the environment and to humans than CCA treated lumber.  ACQ lumber is the lumber of choice for garden frames, children's outdoor play-sets and for use in deck construction.  Today, various parks and recreation departments are considering banning the use of CCA lumber in public park building construction due to its lingering toxic nature.  As a result, ACQ is the new environmental choice in pressure treated lumber.