·:[ Environmental News Bits ]:·
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What are the possible risks of formaldehyde emissions from pressed-wood products? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to find out and is asking interested parties to submit comments, information and data to determine the extent of the problem and what to do about it. In addition to the 60-day public comment period, EPA has scheduled five public meetings to obtain more input.

Through this process, EPA will develop a risk assessment on potential adverse-health effects, evaluate the costs and benefits of possible control technologies and approaches, and determine whether EPA action is needed to address any identified risks. The call for comments follows a citizens’ petition received under the Toxic Substances Control Act in March 2008 from organizations and individuals concerned about risks from exposure to formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is commonly used as a preservative and is found in certain pressed-wood products, where it is a component of glues and adhesives. It adds permanent-press qualities to clothing and draperies and helps preserve some paints and coating products.

Formaldehyde is both an irritant and a probable human carcinogen. Attention to the formaldehyde issue significantly increased after Hurricane Katrina when temporary housing for dislocated families in New Orleans allegedly caused illness in many people from formaldehyde emissions in pressed-wood components.

More information and a list of the scheduled public meetings: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/formaldehyde/index.htm

Read the full story in the Chicago Tribune. Includes photos of some interesting green products.

Tips and tricks from the Environmental Protection Agency on what you can do to conserve energy, reduce waste and even lower your carbon footprint this holiday season.

Also in the spirit of the season, an article from the November 28, 2007 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, “Real vs. fake: Which tree is greener?”