Reassessment of Formaldehyde Exposures in Homes Insulated with Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation

Abstract

Abstract The Connecticut Department of Health Services (DHS) responded to health complaints associated with urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) between 1977 and 1983 with free air tests. As a result of investigation of health complaints in over 500 houses, UFFI was banned in Connecticut in 1981. However, a review of recent data obtained from private laboratories indicated that formaldehyde levels in the air of homes insulated with UFFI had dropped considerably since the time of installation and prompted this current study. This study was conducted to test the supposition that formaldehyde levels had dropped significantly since the late 1970s in homes that were insulated with UFFI during that time. Formaldehyde levels were measured in 30 homes, which had been tested by the DHS in the past, and were found to have had “high” levels. In addition, ten control non-UFFI homes were tested to establish background levels. The results of this study indicate that the formaldehyde levels in the “high” UFFI houses...