EPA is inviting small businesses to participate in an advocacy review panel focusing on formaldehyde. The agency plans to implement regulations for the new Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, enacted in July 2010.The proposed regulation will establish limits for composite wood products (hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particleboard) so these products meet emission standards.

Formaldehyde is a known eye, nose, and throat irritant, and in 1991, EPA classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Formaldehyde-based resins are sometimes used as adhesives in composite wood products.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires EPA to establish a federal panel for rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small organizations. The panel will include representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, and EPA. The panel will ask a selected group of small entity representatives (SERs) to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel on impacts of the proposed rule.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small organizations that may be subject to the rule requirements to facilitate the selection of SERs. Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by November 2, 2010.