A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report acknowledges formaldehyde as a significant health hazard, especially for workers, but critics say it downplays the risk of cancer and other health issues for residents near industrial sites.
Sharon Lerner reports for ProPublica.
In short:
- The EPA identified 58 scenarios where formaldehyde exposure poses an unreasonable health risk, with crafting supplies, building materials and automotive products among key sources.
- Despite acknowledging high cancer risks in residential areas, the EPA's report concluded that outdoor exposure levels do not require regulatory action.
- Worker protections were weakened compared to an earlier draft, raising concerns for the estimated 450,000 workers exposed to the chemical.
Key quote:
"Despite calculating very high cancer risks for people in their homes and also fence line community residents, EPA has completely written off those risks, and set the stage for no regulation to address those risks."
— Katherine O’Brien, Earthjustice senior attorney
Why this matters:
Formaldehyde exposure is linked to cancer, asthma and reproductive issues, yet it remains a common industrial and household chemical. Without stronger regulations, millions face elevated health risks, especially in communities near manufacturing plants.
