All businesses operating in the building sector strive to produce the highest quality wooden products through sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. As part of this commitment, all plywood, composite panels and chipboard-like products must be certified in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
As of June 2018, all wood products must comply with the guidelines described in Title VI of the Toxic Substance Control Act (EPCA) published by the EPA.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is an official organization operating in the field of human health and environmental protection, which maintains its application within the framework of laws and regulations adopted by the US Congress.
Chapter VI of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) was established to regulate chemical emissions generated by three important composite wood products. These products include hardwood plywood, medium density chipboard (MDF) and chipboard.
Toxic Substances Control Act VI. is a new standard for permissible emissions from adhesives used in composite wood products. This standard is closely related to the strict rules previously set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). If wood products have already been certified in accordance with CARB Phase 2, these certificates have been deemed valid until March 22, in accordance with TSCA Title VI regulations.
TSCA standards prioritize sustainability throughout the production process, from the collection of raw materials to the production of finished panels. Wood products must meet TSCA Title VI chemical emission standards. These standards require the labeling of composite wood panels containing formaldehyde-containing adhesives and other chemicals emitting harmful gases, as well as manufactured goods made with these products.
CARB Phase 2 standards were published in 2007. These standards were also aimed at minimizing harmful emissions to ensure high air quality. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) supports the government's climate objectives with low-carbon transit and investment in development. This organization adopts scientific regulations and programs to prevent human exposure to harmful pollutants.
The CARB Phase 2 standards have been published to reduce formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products. These standards include hardwood plywoods and particleboard and medium density fiberboard with thin MDF less than or equal to 8 mm. This standard also applies to manufactured products for sale.
Now, TSCA standards undergo EPA safety review of all new and existing chemicals and focus on the highest priority chemicals for full risk-based safety assessments. This enhances the EPA's ability to require additional health and safety testing of chemicals.
TSCA standards also provide the EPA with a complete range of options to address the risks of substances that include labeling requirements, restrictions, end uses or other appropriate actions. It also forms a strong national chemical regulation system in international trade.
TSCA standards may be applied to any chemical at any point during its lifetime. If a substance that has not yet been included in the inventory list is to be used and that chemical is not excluded by the TSCA, the EPA must be notified before production. If the information on health and environmental impacts is insufficient in the examinations to be performed, EPA may impose restrictions until such information is completed.
Our company also provides test laboratory services for Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) within the scope of other testing services. Thanks to these services, enterprises are able to produce more efficient, high performance and quality products in a safe, fast and uninterrupted manner.
The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) test laboratory services provided within the scope of other testing services are only one of the services provided by our organization in this respect. Many other testing services are also available.