E.P.A. to Undertake Scientific and Regulatory Evaluation of Formaldehyde Use in Pressed Wood Products

E.P.A. is launching a broad effort to gain a greater scientific understanding of the potential health risks of formaldehyde's use in pressed wood products. Through this process, E.P.A. will develop risk assessments on the potential adverse health effects, evaluate the costs and benefits of possible control technologies and approaches, and determine whether E.P.A. action is needed to address any identified risks.

The agency projects to issue an advance notice of suggested rulemaking (ANPR) in fall 2008. The agency is pursuing this course of action following review of a petition submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The petition requested that E.P.A. adopt nationally a California regulation to control formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products and extend the rule to include composite wood products in manufactured homes.

E.P.A. carefully reviewed the TSCA Section 21 citizens' petition, submitted by the Sierra Club, a number of other environmental organizations, as well as a large number of private citizens, and sought review and additional information on the petition. E.P.A. will work closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on issues related to manufactured housing.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/sect21.htm

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