Commission adopts measures to better protect people from the risk of cancer

Article summary

The European Commission has introduced measures to protect people from the cancer risk posed by formaldehyde in various consumer products. The new rules set maximum emission limits for formaldehyde in indoor air. Wood-based articles, furniture and the interiors of road vehicles will have an emission limit of 0.062 mg/m3, while other articles like textiles, leather, plastics, construction materials and electronic products will have a limit of 0.08 mg/m3. These limits set aim to ensure human health protection while minimising the socioeconomic impact on industries and sectors. Producers using formaldehyde will have 36 months to comply with the rules, allowing time for implementing restrictions, developing analytical methods for testing emissions and transitioning to formaldehyde-free or low-emission products. Vehicles will have a 48-month compliance period. The European Chemicals Agency, in collaboration with industry and experts, will develop guidance for harmonised implementation of formaldehyde emission measurements.