New Regulations Regarding Formaldehyde Off-gassing Emissions Set to be ‘Vigorously Enforced’ within the State of California

LA Testing laboratories prepared to help industry meet new requirements.

According to language recently added to the California Code of Regulations, which is set to take effect on January 1st, 2009, “The purpose of this airborne toxic control measure is reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, and finished goods that contain composite wood products, that are sold, offered for sale, supplied, used, or manufactured for sale in California.”

This newly revised standard requires a dramatic reduction of formaldehyde off-gassing emissions which are often produced by low-cost furniture manufacturers. While the California standard is considered to be rigorous, a petition was launched by several health and environmental organizations in March 2008 to extend the California standards nationally.

If this measure gains momentum, as it likely will, it becomes significant to not only the state of California but to the entire nation as “Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause sever irritation to the respiratory system and may aggravate asthma.”

The health effects associated with elevated levels of exposure have brought to light the dangers from prolonged and repeated contact with the chemical. The major exposure risks associated with formaldehyde come from occupants inhaling contaminated air. Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can trigger asthma attacks, nausea, watery eyes, headaches and difficulty breathing to name just a few.

“LA Testing is pleased to be able to offer testing to our clients to meet these new regulations,” stated Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for EMSL Analytical and LA Testing. “Our laboratories have a long history of formaldehyde testing and we are prepared to help,” Sublasky went on to report.

LA Testing operates laboratories in Los Alamitos and Pasadena, California. The laboratories are staffed with some of the industry’s most respected scientists who utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide analyses for environmental, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality and other important testing services.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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Paul Cochrane

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LA Testing

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