Trump’s EPA wants to weaken formaldehyde protections – this is what it could mean

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under former President Donald Trump is proposing to undo a Biden-era policy that aimed to reduce exposure to the carcinogenic toxin formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is found in a wide range of everyday products, including cosmetics, personal care items, home cleaners, furniture, and building materials. During the Biden administration, the EPA's scientists determined that any level of formaldehyde exposure can cause cancer, and even low levels can lead to non-cancer health issues. However, the Trump-era EPA is now proposing to increase the levels of formaldehyde exposure it considers safe, allowing people to continue being exposed to concerning amounts of this toxic substance. This move has drawn criticism from experts and advocates, who argue that it would further endanger public health and undermine efforts to regulate the use of formaldehyde in various industries. The proposed change is the latest push by the Trump-era EPA to weaken standards and protections related to toxic substances, despite the potential risks to human health and the environment.