CPSC Still Concerned About Formaldehyde Health Risks

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission still considers urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) to be a hazardous product, and that purchasers of UFFI are at risk from elevated levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde exposure may pose a serious threat to health at such levels.

In the wake of a U.S. Court of Appeals' decision overturning the CPSC's ban on UFFI, the Commission has approved a broad program aimed at upgrading its surveillance of the possible hazards involved with formaldehyde in the home.

The Commission has directed its staff to monitor UFFI production, sales, and customers complaints and report back to the Commission by February, 1984. Consumer complaints will be monitored to determine if health problems continue to be reported in connection with UFFI installations.

The staff will also update the Commission, on an ongoing basis, regarding the health effects of UFFI and, to the extent feasible, quantify the risks associated with formaldehyde.

The Commission also directed agency staff to revise the CPSC 'question and answer ' booklet on UFFI and specifically to include information about actions the states have taken with respect to UFFI.

The Commission has also authorized the creation of a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel-- a panel of scientific experts in the field to consider the chronic hazards associated with exposure to formaldehyde from UFFI and other consumer complaints.

The CPSC is concerned about potential chronic effects of formaldehyde gas released from the UFFI, such as allergic reactions and cancer. In studies conducted by the industry's own Chemical Industry Institute for Toxicology and by the New York University School of Medicine, formaldehyde was shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Based on the results of these tests and other available data, the CPSC considers formaldehyde to be a potential human carcinogen.

Many health complaints, including irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, headaches and shortness of breath, have been reported to CPSC over the last several years by consumers who have had UFFI in their homes. Less frequently reported symptoms include chest pain, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.

Studies have shown that formaldehyde in liquid solution (and possibly formaldehyde gas) can, through repeated exposure, cause sensitization in certain individuals. When exposed to formaldehyde gas, sensitized individuals may exhibit allergic dermatitis or mild-to-severe asthmatic reactions.

Consumers who experience health effects that they believe may be associated with formaldehyde, or those wishing additional information, may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC, or their state or local health departments.