EPA Posts Formaldehyde Analysis Poised to Shape Restrictions

The EPA has released its final formaldehyde health assessment, a document that will influence agency regulations and is being criticized by industry that warns the agency’s conclusions could harm national security, the economy, and health care.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s research office posted online on Tuesday its conclusions about formaldehyde’s hazards and the amount of that chemical that could be harmful.

Formaldehyde is “carcinogenic to humans,” the EPA said pointing to evidence the chemical can cause nasal cancers and myeloid leukemia. Other health effects from breathing in the chemical include irritation, increased asthma attacks, and decreased lung function, the agency ...