EPA To Study Formaldehyde Use in Pressed Wood

Washington, DC, July 2, 2008--The EPA said it plans to study the  potential health risks of the use of formaldehyde pressed wood products.

EPA said it will also evaluate the costs and benefits of possible control technologies and approaches, and determine whether EPA action is needed to address risks.

This fall the agency said it plans to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in fall 2008. It received a petition submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that requested that EPA 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.

The petition was submitted by the Sierra Club, a number of other environmental organizations, as well as private citizens. EPA said it will work closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development on issues related to manufactured housing.