A subject switch from the usual lead dust/smoke discussions, I am looking for some thoughts on pressure treated lumber. For most most of my life there were NOT a lot of warnings about cutting creosote or PT lumber and I've cut my share as a dedicated DIYer and remain healthy. Now that the many warnings are out there, is a simple dust mask adequate? I am rebuilding my 42 year old saltwater marsh dock and the framing lumber (2x10 headers and 2x8 joists) do contain arsenic (0.60 pcf CCA-C) while the remainder of the lumber is of the CA-C type. All was purchased from a dedicated dock construction lumber supplier and I presume even the CA-C non-arsenic containing lumber has either more concentrated chemicals or a longer/deeper pressure penetration time in the pressure chamber.
I presume both require a bit of caution and care, but does the CCA-C deserve a respirator or will a simple dust mask suffice? I will be wearing eye protection, long sleeves and gloves to minimize skin absorption of the arsenic.
Am I falling for the whole California initiated "everything will harm you" culture or should I take this more seriously than I do most everything else? Whenever I see one of those "the state of California...." warnings I almost always role my eyes.
Thoughts or practical experience?