Trump EPA relied on industry science to weaken formaldehyde cancer rules, documents show

Papers reveal how chemical lobby influenced policy, reversing Biden-era limits on a common carcinogen

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A new trove of chemical producer and US Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal an elaborate industry operation that killed strong regulations around formaldehyde, a highly toxic carcinogen widely used in everyday goods from cosmetics to furniture to craft supplies.

The Biden EPA in late 2024 determined any exposure to formaldehyde increased the risk of cancer and other health problems. The Trump EPA in late 2025 moved to undo those findings and replace them with less protective figures.