On May 26 2007 The California Air Resources Board approved 8-0 to regulate
formaldehyde emissions from building materials.
Formaldehyde is used in the industrial glues that are commonly used to bond plywood,
particle board and medium-density fiberboard used for kitchen cabinets, shelving,
countertops and ready-to-assemble furniture. Many state, national and international
governments and health agencies have agreed that it is a cancer-causing chemical
with no known safe exposure levels, that is, risk depends upon amount and duration of
exposure.
The standard would be phased in starting in 2009 and would become the most stringent
in the world by the time it is fully implemented in 2012. The goal is to meet Europe’s E1 in
the first phase followed by the stricter stands set by Japan’s F Three Star Standard in the
second phase. Worldwide manufacturers, most notably the Chinese, are currently
meeting these standards for exports to Europe and Japan now. In the meantime, with
no regulations to constrain them, those same Chinese manufacturers are selling cheap
inferior formaldehyde laden products in the US.
The Ecohome line of custom cabinetry is among the few cabinetry brands in the U.S.
marketplace which offer a totally formaldehyde free product. We use Columbia Forest
Product Pure Bond hardwood plywood, a urea-formaldehyde free product achieved
by using soy-based glues. We also specify low and zero V.O.C finishes that are always
formaldehyde free. We hope that as you learn more the concerns conventional
materials used in cabinetry, you will agree that your investment in cabinetry must not
only include good design but also healthy home material. We are pleased to be years
ahead of the curve!
Click here for the press release announcing the CARB’s decision followed by a summary of state, national and international governments and health agencies position on
formaldehyde.