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by Sharon Lerner

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Citing a recent ProPublica investigation, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., urged the Environmental Protection Agency in a letter this week to issue a final report on the health risks of formaldehyde that is “science-based” and “as strong as possible,” adding that “the agency has an obligation to protect the public from the chemical.”

Formaldehyde, used for everything from preserving dead bodies to binding wood products and producing plastic, is extremely widespread and causes far more cancer than any toxic air pollutant. ProPublica’s analysis of EPA air pollution data showed that, in every census block in the U.S., the risk of getting cancer from a lifetime of exposure to formaldehyde in outdoor air is higher than the goal the agency has set for public exposure to air pollutants.

The EPA issued a draft of the formaldehyde risk evaluation in March and, after receiving feedback from the public and a committee of experts, is expected to release the final version by the end of the year. The forthcoming evaluation will be used to inform future restrictions the agency puts on the chemical. But the ProPublica investigation found that the draft version of the report used unusual techniques to underestimate the risk posed by formaldehyde.

In one case, the agency determined whether concentrations of formaldehyde in outdoor air posed an “unreasonable risk” — a level that requires the agency to address it — not by measuring them against a health-based standard, but rather by comparing them to the highest level of the chemical measured outdoors in a five-year period. The measurement the agency chose as a reference point was a fluke, ProPublica found, and had not met the quality control standards of the local air monitoring body.

The EPA did not immediately respond to questions from ProPublica about Sen. Blumenthal’s letter and when the agency plans to release its final report.

The EPA is evaluating the health risks of formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the main federal law that governs chemicals. That process typically relies on toxicity estimates calculated by a separate division of the agency. In the case of formaldehyde, the EPA released the final toxicity values in August of this year, decades after it began the process of calculating them. Throughout that time, companies that make and use the chemical — and could lose money if it is restricted — criticised the agency’s numbers and worked to delay their release.

Some industry-affiliated members of the expert committee that reviewed the draft evaluation of formaldehyde this year have continued to find fault with the EPA’s toxicity estimates and have suggested that the agency weaken them in its final report.

In his letter, Blumenthal advised EPA Administrator Michael Regan against taking this route. “Throughout your tenure, EPA has been steadfast in upholding its vital mission of protecting human health and the environment,” he wrote. “I urge you to continue this commitment and issue a final risk evaluation for formaldehyde that is rooted in the best available science.”

Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe announced Wednesday that he is appointing Jessica Bax as the next director of the Missouri Department of Social Services.

EDWARDSVILLE - The fourth phase of a project to build a shared use path along part of Highway 157 in Edwardsville is officially underway following City Council approval on Tuesday. The city has been awarded $390,400 in federal CMAQ grant funds to build a shared use path along 0.37 miles of Highway 157 from West Schwarz Street to Enclave Boulevard. Edwardsville City Council members unanimously approved a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the project’s construction. Under the terms of the agreement, this phase of the project is set to be completed within five years. Aldermen also approved $97,600 in matching funds which, in addition to the federal grant, brings the project total to $488,000. Warren said the $97,600 is the city’s portion of the project funds, but noted they would be covered by a grant from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD). Under a separate agreement to allocate these matching funds,

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COLLINSVILLE — Ashay Hopkins, a student at Collinsville High School, has been named the Student of the Month for December 2024, recognized for her positive influence and dedication to her peers. Hopkins, who is known for greeting her classmates each morning with a warm hello and a smile, has made a significant impact on the school community. “It always helps me get into the same positive frame of mind,” said the individual who nominated her, highlighting her ability to uplift those around her. In addition to her cheerful demeanor, Hopkins is noted for her commitment to academic excellence. “She not only works to get the 'A' but always wants to know how to become a better public speaker,” the nominator remarked. Her dedication extends beyond her own studies, as she dedicates hours each day to tutoring fellow students in subjects such as math, English, and public speaking. Hopkins' support for her classmates is further illustrated by her attentiveness

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How can we break the two-party duopoly?

When Elton John told ABC's Good Morning America a few weeks ago that because he'd lost the sight in one eye he was having a hard time making new music, he…

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COLLINSVILLE - Thirty-three members of the Collinsville High School Class of 2025 have been named 2025-26 Illinois State Scholars . IASC ( Illinois Student Assistance Commission ) uses a formula to determine this select group across the state each year. Qualification is based on each student's standardized test scores and performance-based academic data. CHS Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars Henry Bauer Katelyn Berger Hannah Bolla Cade Braddock Brion Brown Danielle Cary Kaylynn Castens Scarlett Clayton Kaylee Cooper Bailey Demick Kenna Fisher Brody Fister Selah Hart Reznor Hartmann Diana Hernandez Alyssa Huckelberry Naomi Hurst Holiday Johnson James Kline Morgan Laing Emma Miller Molly Piper Charlene Rushing Roselyn Sanchez Jocelyn Scott-Gas Olivia Skertich William Slazanik Canaan Sweitzer Solomon Talbott Sophie Vanmiddendorp Aiden Wiley Ian Yakstis Trevor Zipprich

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GRAFTON — The Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, opened with a moment of silence to honor Retired Chief of Police Eric Spanton, who died on Dec. 14. Mayor Mike Morrow led the tribute, reflecting the community's respect for Spanton's service. During the meeting, Trebe Bradfisch, along with event coordinators Jessica Hayes and Deseray Hardwick, presented a donation from the fourth annual Witches on the Water event to the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). This year's event attracted participants from various states, including Texas, Arizona, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, contributing to a donation of $17,201. The amount raised this year marks an increase from previous years, with the total contributions since 2021 reaching $41,422. “Again, the Witches on the Water have surpassed expectations with their generosity and devotion to our veterans and the Grafton Memorial. We are forever grateful,” Mayor Morrow stated during the meeting. The

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From CNN: The House Ethics Committee secretly voted earlier this month to release its report into the conduct of former Rep. Matt Gaetz before the end of this Congress, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter. ....The vote, which has not previously been reported, amounts to a stark reversal for the panel after ...continue reading "CNN: Gaetz investigation will be released"

A spending bill U.S. House appropriators released Tuesday evening to keep the government open into next spring includes a provision to allow sales of a gasoline blend that includes up to 15% ethanol nationwide throughout the year. After years of prohibiting the blend, known as E15, from being sold at gas stations during the summer months, […]

On This Day, Dec. 18, 1983 ...The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards celebrated his 40th birthday by marrying 27-year-old model Patti Hansen. The couple first met in 1979.They have two daughters together, Theodora Dupree, born…

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BELLEVILLE - The Homebuilders and Remodelers Metro East Association is looking ahead to a great 2025. HBRMEA shared that there are more resources and people interested in the trades than in previous years. They are also preparing for their famous home raffle, where the grand prize is a house valued at over half a million dollars, or $300,000 cash. Shannon Stelling, a representative with HBRMEA, encouraged people to get involved. “We have got a lot of resources right here in the Metro East to support manufacturing, to support trades, to support all the things that can drive commerce in our area,” Stelling said. “I’m hearing from several different facets, everywhere from our trade partners to our builders and our remodelers, that they’re busy.” Stelling shared that the Collinsville Area Vocational Center and Belleville’s Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence are both undergoing renovations that will increase the size and scope

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Even though I have some views on this, I'm weary of the endless debate about what liberals should do to win back American voters. I read the same polls as everyone else, and that's really all of us have to go on. The truth is that unless you have a remarkably large and diverse set ...continue reading "Who I am"

An armed suspect robbed a delivery driver Tuesday afternoon in St. Louis shortly after he dropped off a package, police say.

COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Fire Department is offering Basic Life Support (BLS) classes for the community, aimed at equipping participants with essential life-saving skills. The courses will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on select Wednesdays at Fire Station One, located at 130 South Clinton Street in Collinsville. The American Heart Association (AHA) outlines that the BLS course is designed to help participants recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and utilize an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The curriculum reflects the latest science and education updates from the AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. The BLS classes are particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals and others who may need to perform CPR and basic cardiovascular life support in various settings, both in-facility and pre-hospital. The cost for the class is $25 for Collinsville residents and $50

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Opening Reception Friday, Dec 6th from 5:30-7:30pm in the Kooyumjian Gallery at Webster University. This exhibit showcases the artistry of high school student photographers. The choice of subject, creativity and […]

The post Beginnings 2024: Juried High School Photography at Kooyumjian Gallery appeared first on Explore St. Louis.