Urea-formaldehyde health effects

In a study of volunteers exposed to 1 ppm for 90 minutes, seven subjects reported eye irritation and three reported nasal congestion among nine subjects who had previously complained of health effects from exposure to urea-formaldehyde insulation in their homes (Day et al. 1984). A similar response to 1 ppm formaldehyde was noted among the other nine subjects in this study who had no previous complaints eight reported eye irritation and four reported nasal congestion from the 90-minute exposure. 

During the past decade, urea formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde resin binders have contributed greatly to the progress of wood industries. Formaldehyde is widely used as a major component in the production of building materials, such as particleboard and plywood, and in urea formaldehyde foam insulation. However, the emissions of formaldehyde from these products create considerable concerns not only in the working environments but also in residences, mobile homes, and office buildings. These concerns have also been stimulated by reports on the health effects and carcinogenicity associated with formaldehyde exposure. 

Schenker MB, Weiss ST, Murawski BJ Health effects of residence in homes with urea formaldehyde foam insulation a pilot study. Environment International 8 359-363, 1982... 

On June 10,1980, the Commission proposed a rule under Section 27(e) that would have required manufacturers of urea-formaldehyde foam insulation to alert purchasers and prospective purchasers to certain possible acute health effects. 45 Fed. Reg. 39434. The Commission s rule was never adopted because the Agency subsequently decided to propose a ban on urea-formaldehyde insulation based on evidence indicating that formaldehyde may be carcinogenic. The Commission finalized that ban in a rule published on April 2, 1982. 47 Fed. Reg. 14366. In the preamble to the final rule, the Commission explained why warnings relating to the carcinogenic hazards presented by urea-formaldehyde would not be sufficient to protect consumers. 47 Fed. Reg. 14401. 

Urea-formaldehyde resin and melamine-formalde-hyde resin are used as glues in the wood industries to make furniture press plates. Despite a low constant release of formaldehyde from these plates into the indoor air, the health effect for individuals living or working in the room is way overestimated in our opinion. Construction workers are also exposed to formaldehyde resins in modern building materials. Textile finishes are another use for these formaldehyde resins, but this does not fit into our discussion in this chapter (Fowler et al. 1992). Even cosmetics may contain PTBP-FR as Angelini and others have shown previously (Angelini et al. 1993). Both resins are currently available from Chemotechnique, Sweden, urea-FR as a 10% petrolatum and melamine-FR as a 7% preparation in the textile colour and finishes series. 

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