EPA issues draft Formaldehyde risk assessment

Written By: Atanu Das on Thursday, March 21, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a draft risk evaluation for formaldehyde, concluding that it poses an unreasonable risk to human health. Formaldehyde is a common chemical found in many household products and building materials. The EPA will be accepting public comments on the draft evaluation for 60 days and will also be reviewed by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SAC).

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the EPA's draft risk evaluation on formaldehyde:

Key Findings

 * Formaldehyde exposure poses an unreasonable risk to human health, especially for workers in high-exposure workplaces and frequent users of certain consumer products.

 * Inhalation and skin contact are the primary routes of exposure.

 * Short-term exposure can cause eye irritation, while long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and even cancer.

Sources of Exposure

 * Formaldehyde is ubiquitous in indoor and outdoor environments due to natural sources and human activities like burning wood, smoking, and industrial processes.

 * Common household products containing formaldehyde include building materials, furniture, car waxes, craft supplies, and fabrics.

Evaluation Process

 * The EPA's draft risk evaluation focuses on exposure from products regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), excluding sources like natural biogenic emissions.

 * Public comments and a scientific review by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) will be considered before finalizing the evaluation.

Next Steps

 * The public can submit comments on the draft evaluation for 60 days.

 * A virtual public meeting will be held for the SACC to discuss the findings in May 2024.

 * The EPA will use the feedback to finalize the risk evaluation.

This information can help raise awareness about formaldehyde exposure and potential health risks. Remember, the draft evaluation is open for public comment, and the final decision on formaldehyde's risk classificationi s forthcoming.