Chemicals: The EU restricts exposure to carcinogenic substance formaldehyde in consumer products

Today, the Commission adopted measures to better protect people from the risk of cancer, by introducing a maximum emission limit for the carcinogenic substance formaldehyde in a range of consumer products.

The new rules establish an emission limit of 0.062 mg/m3 of formaldehyde into indoor air for the largest contributors, such as wood-based articles and furniture and to the interior of road vehicles. A limit of 0.08 mg/m3 will apply to all other articles such as textile, leather, plastic, construction materials or electronic products.

This will ensure a high level of protection for human health while limiting the socio-economic burden and need for technological changes for a wide range of industries and sectors.

Producers of articles where formaldehyde is used will have 36-months to comply with the new rules, providing sufficient time for stakeholders to implement the restriction requirements, develop relevant analytical methods to test formaldehyde emissions and deploy formaldehyde-free or low emitting formaldehyde products. A 48-month limit will apply to vehicles.

Moreover, the European Chemicals Agency – with the support of industry and experts – will develop guidance facilitating harmonised implementation of the test conditions for the measurement of the formaldehyde emissions.

Formaldehyde is known to have carcinogenic and mutagenic properties and can act as a toxicant and skin sensitiser.