Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) was used in residential construction until the early 1980’s. It was determined that this type of expandable insulation produced high levels of formaldehyde gas. The gas was then determined to have negative health effects.

UFFI insulation was developed in the 1950’s as an alternative product to retrofit insulation into residential dwellings. This type of insulation was usually prepared on site and then pumped into the wall cavity. The foam insulation would then harden and become an effective means of insulation. Formaldehyde was often added to the mixture to help the hardening and curing process. The negative health effects were caused by the release of formaldehyde gas.

There have been two major studies performed on the heath effects of UFFI insulation. One such study determined that the insulation did produce enough harmful gas to increase the cancer risks of the occupants. The second study largely disputed the findings of the first study.

Some known negative heath effects of high levels of formaldehyde are nausea, dizziness, watering eyes, difficulty in breathing, flu like symptoms, fatigue and increased risk of developing asthmatic conditions.

The gas will dissipate over time as the foam product ages. It is know that the levels of out-gassing from the insulation decreases over time as the product gets older. Some believe that if the insulation is at least five years old there may be no risk of out-gassing. It is also known that sealing the material in a wall cavity will not allow the gas to dissipate as quickly as in an open air application.

UFFI insulation can be identified by several ways. Most likely UFFI was installed in older homes as a retro fit insulation product. It is not likely that you will find UFFI in a home built after 1975. The color of the material is a dull yellow and can sometimes be seen oozing from cracks and above and below wall cavities. UFFI insulation is easily damaged and crumbles when handled. Newer type of expandable insulation are harder and more difficult to damage. Often times patched holes can be seen either in the exterior or interior walls of the dwelling. These holes were used to pump in the material and were later patched.

If your home has UFFI insulation you should get the indoor air quality tested specifically for the levels of formaldehyde. Hire a professional qualified to perform this type of testing. Do not test yourself. Other products will also contribute to levels of formaldehyde such as the backing of carpeting, particle board products, new paint, some adhesives and new furniture.

After professional testing you can make an educated decision about what corrective measures if any to take. If you are purchasing a home with UFFI insulation use caution and do your do diligence to make sure that the product has stopped out gassing formaldehyde.