Amino resins formaldehyde toxicity

Both urea— and melamine—formaldehyde resins are of low toxicity. In the uncured state, the amino resin contains some free formaldehyde that could be objectionable. However, uncured resins have a very unpleasant taste that would discourage ingestion of more than trace amounts. The molded plastic, or the cured resin on textiles or paper may be considered nontoxic. Combustion or thermal decomposition of the cured resins can evolve toxic gases, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and oxides of nitrogen. 

A factor that may affect the growth of amino resins is the question of formaldehyde toxicity. Like many other chemicals, aminoformaldehyde resins have encountered questions of product safety in recent years. This has been largely due to reports that formaldehyde causes nasal tumors in rats, although epidemiological studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have shown no confirmation of this. 

Phenolic and amino resins have the well-known hazards, due to both phenol and formaldehyde. In addition to traces of free formaldehyde, they may also have free phenol, which is a known toxic. 

MUF resin is widely used as an adhesive in wood industries, coating technology, paper industries and a main material in kitchenware production. In various applications, different resin properties are needed to suit its application. Important resin properties are for example higher resin solubility, low curing period with lower temperature and catalyst amount, good stability for longer shelf life, and lower free formaldehyde emission, as formaldehyde is very toxic, and can cause cancer [1]. One of the factors that affecting the MUF resin properties is the mole composition. The mole composition is a ratio of formaldehyde to amino compoimd... 

In the future aminos are likely to grow slowly for some time. Since the overall volume is so strongly tied to the huge quantities of urea-formaldehyde used in wood products, the course of this business is crucial. As noted, toxicity of formaldehyde is a concern, and the ultimate resolution of this issue is uncertain. However, the economy of urea-formaldehyde for this application is proven, and it appears probable that Improved technology will sustain the use of these resins in this market. We may see modified resins but their elimination is unlikely. 

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