Precautionary List Icon (Orange) Right Arrow Icon Precautionary List Icon (Blue) Precautionary List Icon (Purple) News, Media + Additional Research Icon (Green)
Precautionary List Heading

Reproductive Toxicant

    Arsenic
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Cadmium
Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)
    Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE)
Copper (for Exterior Material)
Lead
    Mercury
Organostannic Compounds
Pentachlorophenol
Phthalates
    Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Urea-Formaldehyde
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
 

 

Urea-Formaldehyde
CAS#9011-05-6

Where is it Commonly Found?

Composite wood products, insulation, furniture, and adhesives.
HEALTH EFFECT SUMMARY
EPA classification: B1 (probable human carcinogen - based on limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans) and suspected asthma trigger; other health side effects include irritation of mucous membranes and skin reactions

What are its known health effects?

Carcinogen (P65)

What are its suspected health effects?

Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant (ATSDR) (DIPA) (RTECS)

Immunotoxicant (EEC) (HAZMAP)

Neurotoxicant (RTECS)

Reproductive Toxicant (EPA-SARA) (FRAZIER)

Respiratory Toxicant (ATSDR) (EPA-HEN) (HAZMAP) (OEHHA-CREL) (RTECS)

Skin or Sense Organ Toxicant (EEC) (EPA-HEN) (HARV) (HAZMAP) (KLAA) (LADO - L) (OEHHA-AREL) (OEHHA-CREL) (RTECS)

Alternative Materials

There are many readily available composite wood, insulation, furniture, and adhesives products that don't have any added urea-formaldehyde.

Additional Regulatory Information

Was almost banned in the 1980s but overturned in the courts.

Does it Correspond With Any Green Building Credits?

Living Building Challenge (1.2) - Prerequisite 5;
LEED - NC: IAQ Credit 4.4;
Green Guide for Health Care - EQ 4.4 - Low Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Insulation;
Living Building Challenge 1.3 – Prerequisite 5: Materials Red List;
Living Building Challenge 2.0 - Red List;
LEED v3 ID+C – IEQ Credit 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plan - Before Occupancy;
LEED v3 ID+C - IEQ Credit 4.4 Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products;
LEED v3 ID+C – IEQ Credit 4.4 Low Emitting Materials - Systems Furniture and Seating;
LEED Pilot Credit 21: Low Emitting Interiors