Formaldehyde: Pay attention

I’m stunned by the silence regarding California’s new formaldehyde emissions requirements.

Even before Heath Combs’ on-the-mark story that appeared on the cover of our May 26 issue (see California sets emissions compliance deadlines), I sensed that many in the industry were unaware of the requirements — the first phase of which will take effect in January — or felt that it was something they could deal with in the distant future.

Let me be clear: Deadlines related to these requirements are looming and could have a significant impact on your business. You need to pay attention.

As someone who breathes on a regular basis, I’m all for clean air. And in principle, California’s new regulation to limit formaldehyde emissions from hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard and particleboard makes perfect sense.

But as written, and under the existing timeframe, these requirements — which will demand that paperwork be kept by every link in the distribution chain of such products — are flawed.

For example, when the law takes effect, it will hold anyone who takes possession of any non-compliant composite panel accountable, exposing each of those participants to fines that can range from $1,000 to $10,000 a day.

But take heart. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has an answer: Get the wood certified.
While that sounds good on paper, let’s do the math. There could easily be hundreds of participants who suddenly need to have their wood certified.

However, as reported in Furniture/Today, CARB says that it currently there are only two U.S. certifiers.
As for Asia, CARB said two other firms have “expressed interest” in being certified. Ashley estimates that its company alone would need more than 350 of these test chambers.

Thousands of people are asking the Environmental Protection Agency to approve nationwide restrictions on formaldehyde emissions based on the CARB standards. By June 21 — the end of next week — the EPA will either approve or deny the petition.

They say forewarned is forearmed. What’s your next move?