WASHINGTON — Two U.S. senators introduced a bill last week to establish the first ever national standard for formaldehyde emissions, based on the new standards that California has started phasing in.

California’s rule covers emissions from products such as hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard, which are commonly used in furniture.

The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, S. 1660, was introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Mike Crapo R-Idaho, according to a press release from the Composite Panel Assn.

The bill would give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency responsibility for testing, certification, recordkeeping and enforcement, the CPA press release said.

The legislation would add a new section to the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. It would require the EPA to enact a national rule by 2011.

The Sierra Club petitioned the EPA last year to develop a national regulation for formaldehyde emissions.

Source: Furniture Today