The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that formaldehyde, a commonly used industrial chemical, poses an ‘unreasonable risk of injury to human health.’ In its final risk evaluation of the compound, the EPA highlights the potential non-cancer health effects for workers and consumers due to acute skin contact and inhalation exposure, as well as cancer risks for workers from long-term inhalation. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas found in numerous environments. It is released into the air during fuel combustion and through various natural processes. The chemical industry also produces millions of tons of formaldehyde each year for the production of plastics, pesticides, coatings, and adhesives.

In March 2024, the EPA released a draft of its risk evaluation for formaldehyde, inviting public comment and scientific peer review. In May 2024, a virtual public meeting was held by the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals to discuss possible revisions. The EPA emphasized that its final conclusions on the health risks of formaldehyde were based on the weight of scientific evidence. Following the evaluation, the EPA stated that, in accordance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), it will propose regulatory actions aimed at mitigating the risks associated with formaldehyde use.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents chemical manufacturers, responded to the EPA’s findings by acknowledging certain revisions made in the final risk evaluation. However, the ACC expressed concerns over the scientific integrity of the assessment and the EPA's handling of public and interagency feedback. The ACC stressed that any evaluation of formaldehyde should be grounded in the best available scientific data. They pointed out that formaldehyde is a natural substance found in the environment and is critical to many industries, including housing, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and national security. The ACC also raised concerns about the implementation of the TSCA program, claiming that the final evaluation did not meet the standard of using the best available science. They warned that if the EPA proceeds with its current approach during the risk management phase, formaldehyde manufacturing and its numerous applications could face severe restrictions or even potential bans in the U.S.

The toxicity of formaldehyde has been a controversial issue for years. In 2022, a draft assessment from the EPA linked long-term exposure to the chemical with serious health issues, including nasal cancers and myeloid leukemia. This assessment gained further credibility with a 2023 report from the U.S. National Academies. In response, the ACC initiated legal action against both the EPA and the National Academies, accusing them of failing to adhere to transparency, balance, and independence requirements in the peer review process. However, this legal challenge was dismissed by the District of Columbia District Court in March 2024, on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to address the ACC’s claims.