What: On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated draft risk calculation memorandum for formaldehyde.
Why: EPA is currently reconsidering the use of certain hazard values in the 2024 formaldehyde risk evaluation. The purpose of the memo is to inform a revised formaldehyde draft risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Risk evaluations are used under TSCA to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health or the environment, without consideration of costs or non-risk factors.
Formaldehyde is found in:
- Resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard).
- Building materials and insulation.
- Household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products.
- Preservatives used in some medicines, cosmetics, and other consumer products such as dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners.
- Fertilizers and pesticides.
EPA is not changing its existing position that formaldehyde poses an unreasonable risk of injury to human health. The agency is continuing work on a proposed risk management rule for formaldehyde as required by TSCA.
EPA is also seeking additional information specific to how formaldehyde is manufactured and used, which may inform the risk management of formaldehyde. After the public comment process, the agency will determine if the proposed revisions warrant updating the risk evaluation for formaldehyde under TSCA.
Action: Comments are due Monday, February 2, 2026.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
CONTACT: Nick Goldstein
EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov
TAG(S): EPA
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.