Congress Passes Formaldehyde Limits for Composite Wood Products

Supported by industry and environmental groups alike, the U.S. Congress has passed a bill limiting the amount of formaldehyde in hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard.

Introduced in late 2009, the bill bases its formaldehyde thresholds on those developed and enacted by the California Air Resources Board (see “Diverse Interest Groups Support National Formaldehyde Standard,” EBN Dec. 2009). Limits become effective as soon as 2011 and become more stringent over time. These dates are dependent on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, however, which must develop regulations for enforcing the standards.

The bill only covers some composite wood products, with exemptions for structural plywood, hardboard, OSB, I-joists, finger-jointed lumber, among others, and does not apply to many other products that contain formaldehyde, such as fabrics or insulation. Having passed through Congress, the bill awaits the signature of the president. You can view the bill, S.1660, at www.govtrack.us.

– Allyson Wendt