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EPA/OPPTS

RIN: 2070-AJ44

Publication ID: Fall 2008

Title: ●Formaldehyde Emissions from Pressed Wood Products
Abstract: In response to a petition filed under TSCA section 21, EPA has initiated a proceeding to investigate risks posed by formaldehyde emitted from pressed wood products. As indicated in that response, EPA plans to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) in the Fall of 2008. As part of the ANPRM process, EPA will engage stakeholders to contribute to obtaining a better understanding of the available control technologies and approaches, industry practices, and the implementation of California's regulations. Concurrently, EPA plans to develop and conduct an industry survey and initiate development of an exposure assessment and a hazard characterization that could be used for evaluating emissions standards or other approaches. Subsequently, EPA plans to develop an irritation risk assessment and quantify costs and benefits. At the conclusion of this work, OPPTS anticipates determining whether it should take action, which may include action under TSCA, or via the development of a voluntary consensus standard or other approaches. As OPPTS evaluates risks and options under TSCA, OPPTS intends to coordinate its efforts with other interested EPA offices and agencies, as well as engage the public and stakeholders.
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage
Major: Undetermined	Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 15 USC 2605 "TSCA 6"

Legal Deadline: None

Statement of Need: On March 24, 2008, 25 organizations/5,000 individuals petitioned EPA to use TSCA § 6 to adopt a California Air Resources Board regulation as a national standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. In response, EPA committed to initiate a proceeding to investigate whether and what type of regulatory or other action might be appropriate to protect against risks posed by formaldehyde emitted from pressed wood products. This decision was based on the hazards of formaldehyde, in combination with the potential for prolonged exposure to potentially problematic levels of formaldehyde for occupants of newly constructed housing.

Summary of the Legal Basis: The Agency has not decided to take any rulemaking action, but it is evaluating potential actions under TSCA sections 6(a) and 6(b).

Alternatives: The Agency has not yet determined that any action is necessary, but it is evaluating potential actions under TSCA sections 6(a) and 6(b) as well as voluntary action.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: The Agency has not determined that any action is necessary or evaluated the costs and benefits of any possible actions.

Risks: Formaldehyde is an eye, nose, throat, and skin irritant. At this time, the Agency is primarily concerned with the irritation risks posed by formaldehyde emissions from pressed wood products.

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
ANPRM	11/00/2008
NPRM	To Be Determined

Additional Information: SAN No. 5287
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: Undetermined
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Cindy Wheeler Environmental Protection Agency Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404M, Washington, DC 20460 Phone:202 566-0484 Email: wheeler.cindy@epa.gov Robert Courtnage Environmental Protection Agency Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404T, Washington, DC 20460 Phone:202 566-1081 Email: courtnage.robert@epa.gov