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Trump's EPA Proposes Doubling Formaldehyde Inhalation Limit

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s EPA proposed nearly doubling the safe inhalation limit for formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, under industry pressure.
The revisions shift from a linear risk model to a threshold model.
ProPublica's investigation shows nearly all Americans live in areas where formaldehyde exposure exceeds safe limits, with higher risk for myeloid leukemia.
The revisions could undermine protections for other carcinogens.
Public comments on the proposal are open until February 2.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s EPA proposed nearly doubling the safe inhalation limit for formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, under industry pressure.
The revisions shift from a linear risk model to a threshold model.
ProPublica's investigation shows nearly all Americans live in areas where formaldehyde exposure exceeds safe limits, with higher risk for myeloid leukemia.
The revisions could undermine protections for other carcinogens.
Public comments on the proposal are open until February 2.