In an update to ongoing health assessments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds new concerns about formaldehyde exposure, including eye irritation and asthma, while revising its stance on cancer risks.
Britt E. Erickson reports for Chemical & Engineering News.
In short:
- The EPA's latest evaluation under TSCA suggests formaldehyde can cause noncancer health issues like eye irritation and respiratory problems.
- Industry representatives challenge the EPA's proposed exposure limits, arguing they're too strict and overlook existing safety measures.
- The assessment acknowledges the widespread presence of formaldehyde, complicating the task of determining its health impacts.
Key quote:
The EPA’s suggested workplace limits "are unworkable and ignore practices that are already in place to protect workers, including the use of personal protective equipment."
— American Chemistry Council
Why this matters:
Current EPA regulations target reducing emissions from wood products, but there's a growing conversation around expanding these rules to cover more sources of exposure and improve indoor air quality. This could include stricter standards for building materials, furnishings, and consumer products that contain formaldehyde, alongside enhanced labeling requirements to inform consumers about the presence of formaldehyde in products.
