FORMALDEHYDE IS IN THE NEWS:
Wood Panels Appear to Be Ahead A SUMMARY OF THE EPA'S RECENT DRAFT RISK EVALUATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR USERS OF WOOD PANELS
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BY KEITH CHRISTMAN
hat is Formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that is used as a precursor for many industrial chemicals and products, such as adhesive, resins, plastics, paints, and textiles. Formaldehyde can also be released from natural sources. Living things — plants, animals, and people — produce and release formaldehyde just through natural life (biogenic) processes. In addition, forest fires, or human activities, such as smoking, cooking, or burning fuels also release formaldehyde. Why is Formaldehyde in the News? In March 2024, the EPA issued a draft risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which regulates the manufacture, use, and disposal of chemicals
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in the U.S. The draft risk evaluation “preliminarily finds that formaldehyde presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health.” EPA found that workers who are in workplaces where formaldehyde is used are at the most risk from formaldehyde exposure. EPA made these conclusions assuming that workers don’t use protective equipment, though EPA acknowledged that many employers do take measures to protect the safety of their workers. According to the American Chemistry Council, “EPA’s suggested workplace limits are unworkable and ignore practices that are already in place to protect workers … The suggested risk thresholds are 30 times below the recently updated European Union occupational limits of 300 parts per billion, lower than levels that can be detected, and below levels measured in ambient urban air and U.S. residences.” EPA also found that people who frequently use certain consumer