EPA releases final Toxic Substances Control Act risk evaluation for formaldehyde
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed its final risk evaluation for formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), concluding that the chemical presents an unreasonable risk to human health under most conditions of use. Formaldehyde, a key component in adhesives, sealants, and other materials, is commonly used in manufacturing processes across various industries, including the non-ferrous foundry sector. The EPA’s findings highlight risks from acute and chronic inhalation, dermal exposure, and potential cancer risks for workers and consumers. While EPA acknowledges uncertainties in its evaluation, it maintains high confidence in its conclusions.
For non-ferrous foundries, the implications of these findings are significant. Formaldehyde is critical in many resin binder systems used in the casting process. Stricter regulations or outright restrictions on formaldehyde could disrupt production workflows and force the adoption of alternative materials that may not provide equivalent performance. This challenge comes amidst broader concerns from industry stakeholders about EPA’s reliance on what some have called flawed scientific assessments, particularly through the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), and its deviation from TSCA’s mandate to use the best available science.
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has expressed strong reservations about the evaluation, warning that overly restrictive regulation of formaldehyde could jeopardize domestic manufacturing and downstream industries that depend on this versatile chemical. The ACC points to the potential economic ripple effects, including increased reliance on foreign suppliers and higher production costs for industries critical to national security and infrastructure. For foundries, this could mean higher operational costs, limited access to essential materials, and potential disruptions to their ability to meet customer demands.
With the risk management phase now underway, the non-ferrous foundry industry must stay engaged in regulatory discussions. Advocacy for balanced, science-based standards is essential to prevent unnecessary harm to manufacturing capabilities and economic competitiveness. NFFS will monitor developments closely and collaborate with other industry partners to ensure the unique needs of foundries are represented in this critical regulatory process.