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, 2013
Boston officials grapple with impact of new FEMA flood maps
New federal maps for Boston significantly expand the number of homes and businesses in areas considered at high risk of flooding, a change that could force thousands of property owners to purchase expensive insurance and complicate redevelopment along the city’s waterfront.
| Nov 18, 2013
6 checkpoints when designing a pediatric healthcare unit
As more time and money is devoted to neonatal and pediatric research, evidence-based design is playing an increasingly crucial role in the development of healthcare facilities for children. Here are six important factors AEC firms should consider when designing pediatric healthcare facilities.
| Nov 14, 2013
OSHA proposes requirement for large firms to disclose workplace injuries
A proposal from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would require companies with more than 250 employees to disclose workplace injury and illness reports online.
| Nov 6, 2013
Cost to small businesses from silica rule is raised by progressive group
The silica-dust rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could put small businesses at a disadvantage on the cost of complying with the mandate, according to the Center for Progressive Reform.
| Oct 31, 2013
OSHA enacts 47-day extension for comment period on silica-exposure rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has extended the public comment period on its silica-dust exposure rule by 47 days.
| Oct 18, 2013
AGC considers suit over new hiring goals for vets, disabled
The Associated General Contractors of America and the HR Policy Association are reportedly considering taking legal action over the Labor Department's new hiring goals for veterans and disabled people.
| Oct 15, 2013
15 great ideas from the Under 40 Leadership Summit – Vote for your favorite!
Sixty-five up-and-coming AEC stars presented their big ideas for solving pressing social, economic, technical, and cultural problems related to the built environment. Which one is your favorite?
| Oct 8, 2013
Government shutdown closes E-Verify, could hamper construction hiring
E-Verify, the online federal program used to check the immigration status of prospective hires, has been closed due to the federal government shutdown.
| Oct 3, 2013
Florida contractors worry that regulations will hamper their ability to hire
Regulations such as the E-Verify rule and the Affordable Care Act could hinder contractors from hiring additional workers, according to some Florida contractors.
| Oct 3, 2013
Fall protection violations top OSHA citations list
Violations of fall-protection standards in fiscal 2013 are again the most frequent source of citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to its top 10 list.
