Formaldehyde Levels

in Rhode Island are in Flux

Photo: www.webphotos.com

Formaldehyde measurements were taken by the DEM at an East Providence measurement station. The graph above depicts the annual mean of 24-hour samples collected every sixth day. There is an unclear trend for the entire reported period of 1995-1999. The trend for the period 1997-1999 is likely a result of more stringent automobile emissions standards and advances in automobile efficiency. As with benzene, formaldehyde emissions have benefited from measures taken by the auto and fuel industries, allowing Rhode Island residents to drive more while emitting less formaldehyde.

The EPA estimates formaldehyde to be one of New England's most common air pollutants. Like benzene, the anthropogenic sources are the largest contributors to the formaldehyde problem. In fact, they are essentially the same sources: industry (especially power plants and chemical manufacturers), auto emissions, and cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde is also used in agriculture as an analytical reagent, in concrete and plaster additives, disinfectants, and fumigants.(Source: US EPA)

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has established a chronic inhalation standard of 3ppb for formaldehyde. Chronic exposure to higher levels has been correlated with respiratory and pregnancy disorders, as well as increased incidence of lung cancer in tests. Levels in Rhode Island have been dangerously close to the ATSDR standard in recent years, exceeding the standard in 1997.(Source: US EPA)

Other Air Toxics Data:

Ozone

Benzene

National Air Quality Standards

For more information:

http://www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/publicat.html
A list of online publications available through the US EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards.

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