Massachusetts program for reducing the risk of formaldehyde exposure

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Public Health Rep.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6465152

Walker, B Jr; Fox, P; Li, V; Parker, G

Urea formaldehyde foam insulation in homes has caused increasing concerns about the adverse health effects associated with residential exposure to formaldehyde emissions. These health effects cover a broad spectrum of symptoms, including neurophysiological effects, respiratory irritations, and eye and skin irritations. Recent studies have also suggested a possible correlation between exposure to formaldehyde vapors and cancer. In 1979, following hundreds of complaints of adverse health effects from occupants of dwellings insulated with urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued regulations banning the new installation of UFFI in Massachusetts. New State legislation was adopted in 1986 which reformulated UFFI policy. The law established a minimum concentration of formaldehyde of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) below which removal of the insulation is not required or encouraged. A trust fund financed by industry was established to pay for air testing and for the removal of UFFI from homes if the formaldehyde level exceeds the statutory minimum of 0.1 ppm or if an occupant experiences adverse health effects attributable to the insulation. Based on the Massachusetts experience, these requirements have been identified: the need for flexibility and midcourse corrections in the development of health policy to allow for the incorporation of new scientific information or changes in the economic or political environment, the need for close coordination with all affected parties, and the need for scientific and technical policy development to be joined with economic and political perspectives to ensure smooth implementation of health policies.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston
• OSTI ID: 6465152
• Journal Information: Public Health Rep.; (United States), Journal Name: Public Health Rep.; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN PHRPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALDEHYDES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
FEDERAL REGION I
FORMALDEHYDE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LEGISLATION
MASSACHUSETTS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RISK ASSESSMENT
SYMPTOMS
THERMAL INSULATION
USA