The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued new regulations to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors from wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States.
The agency collaborated with the California Air Resources Board to help ensure the final national rule is consistent with California standards. Composite wood products that are sold, supplied, offered for sale, manufactured, or imported in the U.S. will need to be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant.
These products include: hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, particleboard as well as household and other finished goods containing these products. The EPA is also setting testing requirements to ensure that products comply with those standards, establishing eligibility requirements for third-party certifiers and for accreditation bodies.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause adverse health effects including eye, nose, and throat irritation, other respiratory symptoms, and cancer.
Related Stories
| Nov 20, 2014
Revamped zoning is transforming several New Jersey downtowns
The zoning policy shift could produce the biggest transformation of North New Jersey’s downtowns since the arrival of malls pulled shoppers away from town centers in the 1960s and 1970s.
| Nov 14, 2014
California aims for 20% reduction in water consumption by 2020
California’s comprehensive new water use plan makes conservation a priority, reinforcing a 2009 plan to reduce statewide per capita water consumption by 20% by 2020.
| Nov 6, 2014
OSHA seeking input on electrical standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reviewing electrical standards for the construction industry to make sure proper safeguards are in place as electrical wiring is being installed and maintained.
Smart Buildings | Oct 30, 2014
Energy Department pledges $9 million for energy efficiency improvements on commercial buildings
The U.S. Dept. of Energy will spend $9 million to encourage investments in energy-saving technologies that can be tested and deployed in offices, shops, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and other types of commercial buildings.
| Oct 15, 2014
Drones may soon assist code inspectors for construction in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Labour announced that they will start using drones to help inspectors record when construction sites are breaking laws.
| Oct 9, 2014
New York City releases guide for retrofitting buildings against floods
Part of the city’s response to widespread flooding as a result of Hurricane Sandy, the manual offers retrofitting strategies that will enable property owners to reduce the risk of damage and disruption from coastal flooding.
| Oct 9, 2014
Seattle puts restrictions on micro apartments
The Seattle City Council passed new rules that new studio apartments in the city must measure at least 220 sf and contain at least two sinks.
| Oct 9, 2014
Cities get creative with stormwater management
Cities around the world are crafting stormwater management policies that include natural and manmade methods to store and absorb runoff to reduce flooding.
| Sep 29, 2014
10 common deficiencies in aging healthcare facilities
VOA's Douglas King pinpoints the top issues that arise during healthcare facilities assessments, including missing fire/smoke dampers, out-of-place fire alarms, and poorly constructed doorways.
| Sep 23, 2014
Designing with Water: Report analyzes ways coastal cities can cope with flooding
The report contains 12 case studies of cities around the world that have applied advanced flood management techniques.
