As controversy surrounds formaldehyde’s use, U.S. regulators are increasing scrutiny and strengthening rulings on the substance.

• In 1981, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety advocated handling formaldehyde as a potential occupational carcinogen.

• The U.S. National Toxicology Program proposed that formaldehyde be known as a human carcinogen recently, while the EPA advised limiting exposure to what they labeled a probable human carcinogen.

• States have begun to track formaldehyde use at a more local level: the California EPA Air Resources Board recommended formaldehyde-free building materials after classifying it as a Toxic Air Contaminant.

Internationally, a cursory survey reveals that formaldehyde is under strict review.

• The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a known human carcinogen in 2004. Countries have taken a deep breath over the news.

• Japan now lists the substance as one of two chemicals requiring tracking under its “sick house” regulation.

• Formaldehyde features prominently in “substances of concern” under the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation.

• Industry watchers predict that companies doing business in Europe will substitute other chemicals for formaldehyde – a business-savvy method for complying with the letter and intent of REACH.

• Public concern over chemical substances that first arises in Europe frequently crosses the Atlantic over time.