Formaldehyde Reduction by 1/1/09 in CA

I received this notice from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) today.

Looks like a lot of building products will be healthier after that.

Manufacturers took the toxics out of cabinetry years ago because of the public's concerns, so the new law won't impact manufactured cabinets much at all...But locally made custom will definitely be impacted, and imports as well.

Peggy

California Airborne Toxic Control Measures To Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions From Composite Wood Products Effective January 2009.

Beginning January 1, 2009 any composite wood product, or finished good containing composite wood products (a.k.a. finished goods such as furniture, cabinets, etc.), intended for the California market, must meet California's clean air emission standards limiting formaldehyde emissions. The regulation addresses three types of commonly used composite wood products- hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard.
In 1992, formaldehyde was identified by the California Air Resources Board as a toxic air contaminant and state law requires that the public's exposure be reduced. Sufficient evidence existed for the California Air Resources Board, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer to conclude that formaldehyde causes cancer in humans.

This regulation will be implemented in two phases requiring increasingly stringent emissions reductions. Phase 1 emission standards will be effective on January 1, 2009, and Phase 2 emission standards will be implemented between 2010 and 2012.

Responsibility for compliance is imposed through the entire commercial product-distribution chain. The manufacturers of composite wood products, third party certifiers, fabricators, distributors, importers and retailers of composite wood products and finished goods must collectively assure that the composite wood products and finished goods manufactured for sale in California are compliant in commerce. This will require that each recognizes and clearly understands the California's composite wood product regulation.

California's composite wood product regulation contains sell-through provisions which are explained in more detail on the California Air Resources Board website. More detailed information can be obtained by clicking this link .

A chart listing the sell-through dates for manufacturers, distributors, importers and fabricators may be viewed by clicking this link.