President Obama signed a new law this month that limits the amount of formaldehyde, a chemical linked to cancer and respiratory problems, that's allowed in wood products. The law will likely result in more eco-friendly homes but more expensive furniture and cabinetry, reports USA TODAY colleague Jayne O'Donnell
It's also likely, she says, to increase consumer awareness of a little-known chemical that's widely used in building materials such as the government-provided trailers for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The trailers were banned because of breathing problems caused by formaldehyde in the walls, ceilings and cabinets.

President Obama recently signed the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Act into law. What does this mean? Basically, the man-made products used to build furniture (plywood, MDF, particle board, etc..) contain certain amounts of formaldehyde.

This new law establishes health standards to both domestic products and foreign imported materials. By January 1, 2013, all products sold in the US will have to meet a formaldehyde emission standard of 0.09 parts per million. On the surface, its sounds like a great idea. The fewer nasty chemicals the better, right? But these new stringent requirements will likely affect furniture prices across the board as compliance requires some re-tooling and experimentation. And of course, any forced change is a great excuse to charge more for a product. But I digress….
Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Act Law.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/20


http://thewoodwhisperer.com/new-formaldehyde-emissions-law/