EPA Responds to Advocacy Pressure to Regulate Formaldehyde in Homes

On June 21, 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agreed to a series of investigative steps that will move the nation closer to national standards for reducing formaldehyde in housing. The move comes on the heels of a March 24, 2008, petition launched by over 25 environmental, housing, and health organizations to extend the California formaldehyde standards nationally. The California standards require a dramatic reduction in formaldehyde off-gassing from hardwood plywood, particle board, and medium density fiberboard (MDF), all of which are products used in most low-cost furniture and wood building materials.

Resources

NCHH press release: EPA Responds to Advocacy Pressure to Regulate Formaldehyde in Homes [pdf; NCHH]

Citizen Petition to EPA Regarding Formaldehyde in Wood Products [pdf]