Trump EPA's Formaldehyde Twist: Industry Gains
The Trump administration's EPA is set to nearly double what's considered a safe exposure level for formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical lurking in furniture, clothes, and more. This marks a sharp reversal from the Biden EPA's stance that no safe threshold exists for carcinogens. Driven by former industry insiders, the change favors chemical makers but raises red flags from health experts over heightened cancer and breathing risks. In an era demanding stronger environmental safeguards, loosening toxin rules underscores the urgent need for protective policies to shield public health from everyday pollutants.
Formaldehyde is everywhere – from your couch to your wardrobe. The new EPA draft assumes there's a safe amount you can breathe in, almost twice what the previous administration deemed okay.
This shift is a big win for industries relying on the chemical, but experts say it could expose more people to serious health threats like cancer and lung problems.
Leading the charge are two EPA officials who once worked for a top chemicals group, fueling debates over industry sway in regulation.
Stronger rules matter now more than ever. Protecting against toxins like this supports cleaner living and pushes us toward sustainable products that don't harm our air or health. Rolling back safeguards risks our well-being amid broader environmental pressures.