EPA Introduces New Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure
Aug. 4, 2016
The EPA's latest rule to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors includes new labels and third-party programs.
This past week the EPA formally put in place its final rule to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors from domestic and imported wood products. The new rule was presented to protect against exposures to the harmful chemical found in commercial and residential buildings.
This is the final rule of the Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Composite Wood Product Act of 2010, which serves as the national emissions standard for formaldehyde.
Highlights of the new measure state that wood products must be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant to be legally sold, this includes plywood, hardwood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard, as well as other household wood products.
The final rule also states a third-party program will be used to test and oversee the formaldehyde emissions in the wood and will conduct laboratory testing to certify its compliancy.
