I had a home inspection client ask me about UFFI insulation and I thought I would say a few things about the product.
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.
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. There may be elevated cancer risks associated with it. There are two opposing studies done on the cancer effects.
UFFI insulation can be identified by several ways. 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.
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.