EPA wants feedback on draft risk evaluation for formaldehyde

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting public comment on a draft risk evaluation that states the chemical substance formaldehyde poses “unreasonable risk” to workers under certain conditions.

A colorless, strong-smelling gas, formaldehyde can be found in chemicals, plywood and household items such as glue and paper product coatings. It’s also widely known as a preservative in medical labs and morgues, and used as an industrial fungicide, germicide and disinfectant.

In the document, EPA states formaldehyde presents an 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

“EPA found that workers who are in workplaces where formaldehyde is used are at the most risk from formaldehyde exposure,” the agency says. “Workers may be exposed to formaldehyde by inhaling it after it is released into the air or by making skin contact with formaldehyde-containing materials.

“EPA made these conclusions without assuming that worker protections, such as wearing protective equipment, were in place, although EPA is aware that many employers do take measures to protect the safety of their workers.”

The agency adds that high levels of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde over long periods can lead to lung damage, cancer, sensory irritation and reproductive toxicity while increasing asthma and allergy-related conditions. Inhaling high levels of the substance for short periods of time is associated with eye irritation.

A 2022 study out of France reported long-term exposure to formaldehyde may contribute to cognitive impairment in older age.

In a statement, the American Chemistry Council’s formaldehyde panel indicated “strong concerns” with the draft risk evaluation.

“We are particularly concerned with components surrounding suggested workplace limits,” says ACC, which represents chemical manufacturers. “EPA’s suggested workplace limits are unworkable and ignore practices that are already in place to protect workers, including the use of personal protective equipment. They are 30 times below the recently updated European Union occupational limits of 300 parts per billion, lower than levels that can be detected, and below levels measured in ambient urban air and U.S. residences.”

Comments are due May 14.

EPA has scheduled various virtual public meetings of its Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals. As required under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the SACC will review the document before a final risk evaluation is published at a date to be determined.

A preparatory meeting is slated for 1 p.m. Eastern on May 7. Anyone interested in commenting must register online by noon on May 3.

The SACC is also set to conduct a virtual, public peer review from 10 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. Eastern on May 20-23.