Federal formaldehyde emissions regulations proposed by the EPA are being criticized by a number of wood industry groups for their inclusion of laminated products and the ban on adhesives containing urea formaldehyde.
Calling the proposed regulations a “jobs killer,” the groups say EPA’s proposed emissions regulations ignore the directive by Congress and instead go beyond the scope of the formaldehyde rules set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Formaldehyde emissions regulations impact producers of panels and products made from particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and hardwood plywood, including cabinetry, furniture and casegoods. Also affected are sellers of these products.
Comments challenging the EPA’s proposed rule “Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Composite Wood Products,” have been filed by the Federal Wood Industries Coalition (FWIC) and its members, which include: the Composite Panel Association, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, the American Chemistry Council, the American Home Furnishings Alliance, APA – The Engineered Wood Association, Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers, Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association, European Panel Federation, International Wood Products Association, Moulding & Millwork Producers Association, National Association of Music Merchants, National Retail Federation, and National Wood Flooring Association. READ MORE