WHAT IS UFFI?

Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) is injected as a mixture of urea formaldehyde resin, an acidic foaming agent and a propellant such as air. It was commonly used in existing houses by injecting the foam into areas, such as behind walls, where it was impractical to provide conventional insulation. The insulation was approved in Canada for use in exterior wood-frame walls only. It has a reasonable good R value (Thermal Resistance). Some formaldehyde gas is released during the on-site mixing and curing. Formaldehyde is colourless, but has a very strong odour, which can generally be detected at concentrations above one part per million. It is a by-product of the curing of the foam that became a controversial issue.

Formaldehyde is both a naturally occurring chemical and an industrial chemical. It is found in dry cleaning chemicals, paper products, no-iron fabrics, diapers, pillow cases, the glue in particle board and plywood, cosmetics, paints, cigarette smoke, and the exhaust from automobiles, gas appliances, fireplaces and wood stoves. It occurs naturally in forests and is a necessary metabolite in our body cells.

The rate at which formaldehyde gasses are released from materials into the air depends on the temperature and humidity. The higher the humidity levels and temperature, the more gas is likely to be released

Health Canada has determined that 0.1 parts per million (ppm) is a safe level of formaldehyde in the home. Sensitivity to this level may vary based on individual age and health.

WHEN WAS UFFI USED?

The insulation was used in the 1970’s, most extensively from 1975 to 1978 during the period of the Canadian Home Insulation Program (CHIP), when financial incentives were offered by the government to upgrade home insulation levels. The insulation was banned in December 1980 in Canada. It is estimated that over 100,000 homes in Canada were insulated with UFFI,

WHAT HEALTH EFFECTS CAN UFFI CAUSE?

Formaldehyde off-gassing from UFFI is a major health concern. Sufficient concentration of formaldehyde gas causes eye, nose and throat irritation, and for some people a severe allergic reaction or asthma attacks. Other health effects may include skin rash, fatigue, wheezing, nausea, headaches, insomnia, depression, diarrhea and chest pains, it is suspected as human carcinogen.

The severity of formaldehyde off-gassing is affected by relative humidity, exposure to the sun and humidity inside walls. Off-gassing diminishes to a negligible amount over a 5 to 10 year period after insulation. As UFFI has not been installed in Canada since the early 1980’s, the hazards associated with it are considered to be negligible today.