The EPA has set a new reference concentration for formaldehyde at 7 µg/m³ (5-6 PPB)—a change I've been eagerly awaiting for years. For context, the average formaldehyde concentration in a typical US home is 20-30 PPB, making this update a significant shift in the right direction.
To put it in perspective:
- EPA: 7 µg/m³ (5-6 PPB)
- NIOSH: 16 PPB REL for an 8-hour workday
- US ATSDR: 8 PPB chronic exposure MRL
The challenge now is how to reduce formaldehyde levels without breaking the bank. This is a critical issue, especially in everyday environments like homes and workplaces.
For more detailed information, check out the full release from the AIHA. The original EPA documents, while comprehensive, total about 2,000 pages!