Formaldehyde an ‘unreasonable risk’ to some workers, EPA says

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency says formaldehyde poses “unreasonable risk” in some work situations and requires the agency to “initiate risk management actions,” although a trade association that represents chemical manufacturers disagrees.

In a final risk evaluation published Jan. 3, EPA states that formaldehyde – a colorless, strong-smelling gas found in chemicals, plywood and household items such as glue and paper product coatings – poses unreasonable risk to workers under multiple conditions, including:

• Domestic manufacture and import
• Use in construction
• Processing as a functional fluid in oil and gas drilling, extraction, and support activities
• Recycling
• Distribution in commerce
• As a chemical substance in industrial paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and lubricants

Formaldehyde also is commonly used in medical labs and morgues as a preservative, and as an industrial fungicide, germicide and disinfectant.

The agency says the “unreasonable risk” determination is warranted because of “non-cancer effects in workers and consumers from acute dermal and inhalation exposures” as well as “cancer effects in workers from long-term inhalation exposure.”

The American Chemistry Council issued a statement opposing EPA’s decision.

“EPA’s suggested starting place for workplace limits continue to be inconsistent with the best available science and ignore practices that are already in place to protect workers, including the use of personal protective equipment,” ACC states. “These workplace limits are significantly lower than the recently updated European Union occupational limits.”

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, EPA must issue within one year a proposed risk management rule for the substance and publish a final rule within two years. The agency previously solicited public comment on a draft risk evaluation issued in March.