On January 2, the EPA released its final Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation for formaldehyde. The final risk evaluation found that composite wood products regulated under TSCA Title VI do not pose an unreasonable risk in indoor air environments. For all intents and purposes, the evaluation eliminates further regulation under TSCA residential and commercial indoor air exposures from composite wood panels and products made from them, including hardboard and structural wood panels not covered by Title VI.
Occupational exposures to formaldehyde in the workplace remain problematic. The preliminary risk evaluation identified 11 parts per billion (“ppb”) as an unreasonable risk level; however, EPA’s new evaluation sets levels of 110 ppb and 170 ppb, depending on the endpoint evaluated. This compares to OSHA’s current 750 ppb level and the recently enacted 300 ppb standard in Europe. In the opinion of a wide array of experts, these new EPA thresholds do not reflect the best available science and the weight of the scientific evidence. CPA, along with the Formaldehyde Panel of the American Chemistry Council, is evaluating potential actions to address this situation.
EPA’s next step in the regulatory process is to develop “risk management rules” to address the “unreasonable risk” findings. A proposal is expected to be published by the end of 2025, with a final rule a year later. EPA has indicated that the identified risk levels will not necessarily be the levels required of manufacturing facilities. Working closely with members, CPA will be actively involved in providing information on reasonable approaches to workplace exposures and controls. CPA will update members regularly throughout the regulatory development process. See Final Formaldehyde Risk Evaluation. More Info: Andy O’Hare
