CARB is known as California Air resources Board or (ARB). CARB is a department within the cabinet-level California Environmental Protection Agency. Established in 1976 with the purpose of mantaining and improviving the air quality; research the cause and solutions of air pollution. The quality standards of CARB like the MDF (which meet CARB2) , are stricted and in general they are considered the main standard in the United States.

Any product made with hardwood plywood, particleboard or medium density fiberboard must be labeled with the appropriate labeling. To check if a composite wood product is compliant for formaldehyde Phase 2, look for a label that includes the name of the manufacturer, production date, and language that indicates the product meets the compliant with CARB Phase 1 or CARB Phase 2 emission limit. These labels will often include “California 93120 Compliant for Formaldehyde” or “California Phase 2 Compliant.”

This regulation is important because it ensures the air we breathe is healthy and free from carcinogens which can harm us. As of 2011, formaldehyde was added to the federal government’s carcinogen list due to its health effects, which often include nose and throat irritation, burning eyes, wheezing or difficulty breathing, headaches, and nausea. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas and is emitted from a variety of sources like fireplaces, tobacco smoke, and wood burning stoves, just to name a few. In the flooring industry, it’s often used to manufactured products including resins that are used as adhesives for composite wood products. The CWP regulation ensures formaldehyde emissions do not exceed the limit established.