Special provisions were provided in the airborne toxic control measure (ATCM) for manufacturers of hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard who plan to use no-added formaldehyde (NAF) based resins (section 93120.3(c)) or ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) resins (section 93120.3(d)). NAF-based resins are resins formulated with no added formaldehyde as part of the resin cross linking structure, and include resins made from soy, polyvinyl acetate, or methylene diisocyanate. ULEF resins are formaldehyde containing resins formulated such that the formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products are consistently below applicable Phase 2 emission standards.
Manufacturers who plan to use NAF or ULEF based resins may apply to the Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for an exemption from the third party certification requirements in section 93120.3(b). In addition, manufacturers who plan to use ULEF resins may apply to the Executive Officer of CARB for approval to test their products less frequently.NAF/ULEF applicants need to contact a CARB approved third-party certifier to obtain the necessary test data required for a NAF/ULEF exemption as required in section 93120.3 of the ATCM. Information such as the NAF/ULEF application and a list of CARB approved NAF/ULEF manufacturers is provided below.
