Canada Amends Formaldehyde Pollutant Release Inventory Overview

In July, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a substance overview for formaldehyde summarizing releases reported to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) from 2011 to 2020. The wood products sector was listed as the largest annual contributor of formaldehyde air releases with composite wood products emissions from drying and pressing specifically noted. Initially, the overview contained incorrect and subjective language suggesting that emissions from the composite panel sector are likely due to the use of “huge volumes of urea formaldehyde.” After joint comments challenging that assumption were submitted by CPA and the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), the overview was amended on September 13 to remove this statement. The list of government measures developed to manage risks associated with formaldehyde includes the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations (CANFER).  See Formaldehyde Overview, CPA/FPAC letter. More Info: Kevin Warkentin