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Unreasonable Risk

Formaldehyde Threatens the Health of Nearly Everyone

Formaldehyde is all around us and causes more cancer than any other chemical in the air. The industry that makes and uses it has repeatedly thwarted government efforts to limit its health risks.

Unreasonable Risk

Formaldehyde Causes More Cancer Than Any Other Toxic Air Pollutant. Little Is Being Done to Curb the Risk.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s attempts to reckon with formaldehyde have been repeatedly thwarted by the companies that rely on it. If the past is any guide, even modest steps toward reform are all but guaranteed to hit a dead end under Trump.

by Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw,

Unreasonable Risk

Check the Formaldehyde Cancer Risk in Your Neighborhood

In most of the country, formaldehyde contributes more to outdoor cancer risk than any other toxic air pollutant. Look up your address to see risks from the chemical on your block and where it comes from.

by Al Shaw and Sharon Lerner,

Impact of Our Reporting
Caret

Unreasonable Risk

U.S. Senator Urges EPA to Release “Science-Based” Report on Formaldehyde Health Risks

Citing a ProPublica investigation that found formaldehyde causes far more cancer than any other toxic air pollutant, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a letter that “the agency has an obligation to protect the public from the chemical.”

by Sharon Lerner,

3 stories published since 2024

EPA Report Finds That Formaldehyde Presents an “Unreasonable Risk” to Public Health

by Sharon Lerner,

How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure in Your Home

by Topher Sanders,

How Much Formaldehyde Is in Your Car, Your Kitchen or Your Furniture? Here’s What Our Testing Found.

by Topher Sanders, with additional reporting by Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw,

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

Photo of Sharon Lerner
Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

Photo of Andy Kroll
Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

Photo of Melissa Sanchez
Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

Photo of Jesse Coburn
Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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