Finally the final rule on Formaldehyde has been passed. After years of legislation limiting formaldehyde emissions, the EPA has issued final rule and will be closely monitoring formaldehyde emissions from various wood products. Third party inspectors will be in charge of ensuring that companies are following these procedures. The costs of this program is one of the biggest concerns raised.
Key Takeaways:
- The Final Rule-based off the formaldehyde regulation issued by the California Air Resources Board (with which EPA collaborated in formulating the Final Rule)-seeks to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors by establishing emission standards and labeling requirements for certain wood products.
- The Final Rule sets formaldehyde emission standards applicable to hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard and particleboard, and finished goods containing these products that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, imported into, or manufactured in the United States.
- Although EPA has attempted to minimize the Final Rule’s costs, it still estimates the new requirements will cost firms anywhere from $38 to $83 million per year.
“Final rule seeks to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors by establishing emission standards and labeling requirements for certain wood products.”