Toxic Materials In US Homes: Are the laws too stringent
According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, many products banned by other countries are imported into the United States for use. The article specifically focuses on birch and poplar plywood, which are readily available at stores such as Home Depot. This plywood is used by manufacturers to make everything from cabinets to furniture. According to the article, the plywood contains 100 times more formaldehyde than the legal limit in Japan and 30 times more than the acceptable limits in Europe. Formaldehyde is a cancer causing chemical used in the glue which binds the plywood together.
It appears that as other countries around the world are working to pass more stringent laws regarding toxic substances in materials, the US is importing a greater amount of these materials. Another concern is the lack of labeling on these products. The concerned consumer may not be able determine which products to avoid since they are sold without detailed warning labels.
California has led the charge to change the situation in the U.S. California’s Air Resources Board is considering adopting standards similar that of Europe and Japan. However, this proposal has been met with opposition from wood producers who argue the products are safe and fear being driven out of business by the additional costs of compliance. For more information on the proposal see, California’s proposed bill to decrease Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
