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New EPA Formaldehyde Rule and Mitigating Exposure Risks in Puerto Rico

Zimmetry Environmental provides formaldehyde testing and consulting services to help prevent exposure to this known carcinogen.


Bayamon, Puerto Rico – WEBWIRE

Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can occur in residential, commercial and institutional indoor environments because of its use in so many building materials, furnishings and even fabrics.

In July, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule to reduce exposure to formaldehyde off-gassing from certain wood products. These products include hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard and particleboard, as well as household and other finished goods containing these products.
 
Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. This means it may be present in substantial concentrations both indoors and outdoors in some circumstances.
 
As far back as 1987, the EPA classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) does classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has classified formaldehyde as a Toxic Air Contaminant. 
 
“Elevated levels of formaldehyde have been found in people’s homes, schools, offices and factories in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “When people are exposed to high concentrations it may trigger asthma attacks in some people. Other common health effects include eye, nose and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions; and possibly cancer in some circumstances.”
 
Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can occur in residential, commercial and institutional indoor environments because of its use in so many building materials, furnishings and even fabrics. Working to identify environments with high levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the building science experts at Zimmetry. Their professionals can quickly and accurately test the indoor air quality for formaldehyde. If high levels are present, corrective actions can be implemented to eliminate or dramatically reduce exposure risks.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s formaldehyde, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental or compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 


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 Puerto Rico
 Formaldehyde
 Indoor Air Quality
 Air Testing
 EHS


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