WDMA Alert: EPA To Publish Final Rule on Formaldehyde Emissions in Composite Wood Products

For Immediate Release: August 1, 2016
Contact: Jeff Lowinski
(312) 673-5891
[email protected]

EPA to Issue Final Rule on Formaldehyde Emissions in
Composite Wood Products

WASHINGTON, DC - The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) has received a copy of EPA's long expected final rule on formaldehyde in composite wood products. The rule, which has not been officially published, was made available to WDMA in prepublication format and is expected to be published in the coming days. The rule establishes requirements that seek to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors by establishing emission standards and labeling requirements for certain wood products.

WDMA President & CEO Mike O'Brien said, "WDMA was engaged with EPA on this new rule from the beginning. Upon initial review, we are pleased that EPA took the fenestration industry's recommendations to follow existing CARB regulations as close as possible."

"While WDMA is pleased with EPA's direction in this regard, we are still reviewing the rule to determine the full impact of it and if any further clarification is needed regarding implementation that WDMA should address with EPA, especially relating to interior architectural door products."

In addition to limits on formaldehyde emissions, the final rule also establishes a third-party certification program for laboratory testing and oversight of formaldehyde emissions from manufactured and/or imported composite wood products and hardwood plywood.

WDMA expects the final rule to be officially published within the coming days.

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About WDMA: Founded in 1927, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association is the premier trade association representing the leading manufacturers of residential and commercial window, door and skylight products for the domestic and export markets. WDMA members are focused on Total Product Performance™ products that are designed and built to performance-based standards. The association is focused on key member needs in the areas of advocacy, product performance, education and information and facilitating business interactions and relationships in the fenestration eco-system. For more information, please visit www.wdma.com.