Formaldehyde - Is it legal?

When it comes to the furniture industry, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations is paramount. One compound that has sparked debates and concerns is formaldehyde. But what exactly is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that is widely used in various industries, including the furniture industry. It is often found in composite wood products, such as particle boards, plywood, and medium-density fiber boards, as well as in some fabrics and adhesives. Formaldehyde can improve the durability, strength, and resistance of these materials, but it can also pose health and environmental risks.

In the United States, formaldehyde is regulated by several federal and state agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These agencies have set limits on the amount of formaldehyde that can be emitted or contained in various products, such as building materials, cosmetics, drugs, and household products.

One of the most important regulations for the furniture industry is the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act (FSCWPA), which was enacted in 2010 and implemented in 2018. This act amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and established national standards for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The act also required that composite wood products sold, supplied, offered for sale, manufactured, or imported in the US be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant.

According to the EPA, the FSCWPA aims to reduce formaldehyde exposure and protect public health by ensuring that composite wood products meet the emission standards equivalent to those set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The CARB standards are the most stringent in the US and are based on the best available science and technology. The CARB standards limit the formaldehyde emissions from hardwood plywood to 0.05 parts per million (ppm), from particleboard to 0.09 ppm, and from medium-density fiberboard to 0.11 ppm.

The FSCWPA also requires that composite wood products be certified by an accredited third-party certifier (TPC) and tested by an approved laboratory. The EPA has established a list of TPCs and laboratories that meet the requirements of the act. The EPA also conducts audits, inspections, and enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the act.

Formaldehyde Risks and Benefits

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be released into the air from various sources, such as combustion, industrial processes, and consumer products. Formaldehyde can also be naturally present in the environment, such as in plants, animals, and humans.

Formaldehyde exposure can have both acute and chronic effects on human health, depending on the level, duration, and route of exposure. Some of the common symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Formaldehyde exposure can also cause allergic reactions, such as asthma, dermatitis, and contact urticaria.

In addition to the short-term effects, formaldehyde exposure can also have long-term effects, such as cancer. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US National Toxicology Program (NTP). Formaldehyde can cause cancers of the nose, throat, and sinuses, as well as leukemia. Formaldehyde exposure can also increase the risk of other cancers, such as lung, brain, and breast cancers.

However, formaldehyde also has some benefits, especially for the furniture industry. Formaldehyde can enhance the performance and quality of composite wood products, such as increasing their strength, stability, and resistance to moisture, insects, and fungi. Formaldehyde can also reduce the cost and environmental impact of composite wood products, as it allows the use of wood waste and recycled materials, rather than solid wood.

How Doocan Follows the Regulations in Upholstery

Doocan is a leading furniture manufacturer from India that offers a digital platform to source high-quality furniture with factory direct pricing, low MOQ, and streamlined end-to-end services. We are committed to complying with the formaldehyde regulations in the US and other markets, as well as ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers.

We meticulously select materials and products from trustworthy, certified suppliers who comply with FSCWPA and other pertinent standards. Additionally, we conduct routine quality checks and inspections to validate the formaldehyde content and emission levels of our products. Throughout every phase of the manufacturing process, we ensure our products are labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant and furnish customers with the requisite documentation and certificates.

At Doocan, we strives to reduce the formaldehyde emissions and exposure from all our products by using alternative materials and technologies, such as low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free resins, natural or organic fabrics, and advanced ventilation and filtration systems.

Doocan is proud to offer a range of furniture products that are not only stylish, comfortable, and durable, but also safe, healthy, and eco-friendly. We believe that formaldehyde regulations are not only a legal obligation, but also a moral duty and a competitive advantage. And we invite you to explore our collections and categories and discover the benefits of working with a reliable and responsible furniture partner at On-Demand Furniture Manufacturing Platform | Doocan