EPA Considering Formaldehyde Regulations

On November 25th, the United States Environmental Protection Agency published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) regarding formaldehyde emissions from pressed wood products. This is the first step towards regulations that would limit the off-gassing of formaldehyde from composite wood materials, such as those responsible for the elevated levels of formaldehyde in FEMA trailers used following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The EPA is soliciting comments, information, and data related to formaldehyde emissions from pressed wood products. Written comments may be submitted by February 2nd to regulations.gov using docket number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2008-0627. Additionally, the EPA will be holding six public hearings in January in Triangle Park, N.C.; Portland, Ore.; Chicago, Dallas, and Washington DC. Conspicuously missing from the list of hearing locations is any gulf coast city where so many individuals were effected by the FEMA trailers. This oversight was severely criticized by the Sierra Club and other advocates. As a result of public pressure, an additional hearing on the Gulf Coast is likely to be announced.

EPA’s decision is largely a response to a petition submitted in March by the Sierra Club, dozens of other organizations including the Alliance, and signed by approximately 5,000 individuals. The petition called for the EPA to make the strict formaldehyde regulations established by the California Air Resources Board nationally applicable. Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen and causes airway and eye irritation.

For more information on EPA’s ANPR, the dates of the public hearings, or a copy of the petition, see http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/formaldehyde/index.htm. For information on the attempt to include the gulf coast as a hearing location, see http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=80681.0.

Sick Buildings Cause Serious Illness

Swedish researchers have found that people affected by so called sick-building-syndrome can stay ill for a significant period of time. Sick building syndrome is caused by problems with the building’s environment, like poor ventilation or dampness.

Researchers at Umeå University looked at 189 patients who became ill due to their working conditions and followed them for up to 20 years. They found that almost half of the patients were still seriously ill after seven years, and registered for at least part time incapacity benefit as a result.

The scientists hope that their study will get this syndrome taken more seriously in the future, as seeking help early is crucial to long term chances of recovery.

Dangers Of Going Green

Industrial hygienists found that mold, rot, and corrosion are dangers that must be accounted for when builders construct energy-efficient homes. Recycled materials used in this type of construction are likely to absorb more water than new materials. Air quality can also become an issue because of a heightened focus on insulation which, in addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, can limit the movement of water vapor and potential pollutants.Green building is a growing trend across the country. Eco-friendly homes are being built with recycled wood, solar panels and energy efficient appliances -- but what is healthy for the environment could hide a growing problem in its walls.

Read the Science Daily article and watch the video at http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/1001-dangers_of_going_green.htm

Mould Toxins More Prevalent And Hazardous Than Thought

ScienceDaily (Dec. 9, 2008) — Mould toxins in buildings damaged by moisture are considerably more prevalent than was previously thought, according to new international research. Erica Bloom from the Division of Medical Microbiology at Lund University in Sweden has contributed to research in this field by analyzing dust and materials samples from buildings damaged by mould. Virtually all of the samples contained toxins from mould.

REad the entire article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081209085622.htm

ETS linked to behavioral problems

ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2008) — Boys with asthma who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke have higher degrees of hyperactivity, aggression, depression and other behavioral problems, according to researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Read the full story here... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081204133553.htm