The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalised its risk evaluation for formaldehyde, declaring it an unreasonable risk to human health under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The findings highlight significant dangers to workers and consumers from exposure to formaldehyde in numerous products and industrial applications.
What Is Formaldehyde and Why Is It a Concern?
Formaldehyde is a versatile chemical widely used in manufacturing and everyday products, including furniture, adhesives, paints, textiles, and construction materials. Naturally occurring and industrial sources contribute to formaldehyde emissions, exposing people to the chemical in homes, workplaces, and outdoor environments. EPA’s evaluation underscores the chemical's potential to cause acute and chronic health problems, including cancer, asthma, and respiratory irritation.
Key Findings of the Risk Evaluation
EPA's assessment of 63 conditions of use (COUs) revealed that 58 COUs present significant risks to human health. Key contributors include:
- Manufacturing and Processing: Workers face high risks from acute inhalation and skin contact during industrial processes.
- Consumer Products: Formaldehyde emissions from new furniture, flooring, and adhesives expose consumers to harmful concentrations.
- Chronic Exposure: Residents near industrial facilities are vulnerable to long-term inhalation risks, though ambient air contributions were deemed less significant.
Health Impacts of Formaldehyde
Short-term exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, with symptoms subsiding when exposure ends. However, prolonged inhalation increases the risk of chronic conditions, including asthma, reduced lung function, and certain cancers. Workers in high-risk industries are particularly vulnerable, especially without proper safety measures like personal protective equipment (PPE). Consumers using products that release formaldehyde, such as paints and foam bedding, are also at risk.
Regulatory Actions and Next Steps
Following its determination, the EPA will initiate risk management processes to mitigate the identified health risks. Potential measures include:
- Restricting or banning formaldehyde use in specific products.
- Mandating the use of PPE in workplaces.
- Implementing labelling requirements to inform consumers of formaldehyde risks.
- Improving public awareness of safer alternatives and handling guidelines.
These steps aim to reduce exposure and ensure that formaldehyde no longer poses an unreasonable risk under TSCA guidelines.
Balancing Environmental and Human Health Risks
While formaldehyde was found to pose minimal risks to the environment due to its rapid degradation in water and soil, its impact on human health remains a pressing concern. EPA's findings focus on occupational and indoor exposures, as concentrations in these settings are more likely to reach harmful levels.
The EPA’s final risk evaluation is a call to action for industries and consumers to prioritise safety. As regulatory measures take shape, the transition to safer alternatives and improved practices is expected to significantly mitigate the health risks associated with formaldehyde.
