EPA Formaldehyde Ruling: What does it mean for wood I-joists?
On July 5, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew its ruling that would have delayed compliance dates for formaldehyde emissions standards on specific composite wood products. The EPA will instead proceed with a final rule based on its proposed rule published on May 24, 2017 after considering all public comments. APA along with other wood trade associations had submitted public comments urging that the EPA implement the formaldehyde standards at the earliest possible timeline. Under the new EPA formaldehyde standard, prefabricated wood I-joists, wood structural panels, and other structural engineered wood products, such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), are exempt due to their very low emission rates. (APA - The Engineered Wood Association)