Laboratory Test: Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI/UFI)

LCS Laboratory Inc. is specialized in testing of Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI), a material historically used for home insulation in Canada, the USA, and Europe. UFFI is described by Health Canada as a low-density foam resembling shaving cream, which hardens upon drying. Our laboratory’s formaldehyde detection test helps identify UFFI in older buildings, supporting homeowners and buyers in assessing potential formaldehyde exposure.

Background on UFFI and Formaldehyde Concerns
In the late 1970s, studies revealed that freshly installed UFFI could release significant amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The Canadian Government responded in December 1980 by banning the advertising, sale, and import of UFFI products and other urea-formaldehyde resins—under the Hazardous Products Act. The houses retrofitted with UFFI were mostly remediated, but still, there are quite a few such buildings on the real estate market. Despite the passage of time, research suggests that even after 40 years, UFFI foam may continue to emit low levels of formaldehyde.

How LCS Laboratory Detects UFFI in Homes
At LCS Laboratory, we specialize in detecting trace amounts of UFFI in insulation by following the modified NIOSH method 3500. This sensitive analysis extracts free formaldehyde from UFFI. Other types of insulation like construction foam or glass fibre insulation do not produce formaldehyde and do not interfere with testing. The results are reported as either “UFFI is not present” or “UFFI is Present” giving property owners peace of mind about indoor air quality and potential health risks associated with legacy UFFI installations.

When to Consider UFFI Testing
If you suspect UFFI in your home or are considering purchasing a property where it may have been used, our testing provides a straightforward, cost-effective solution to assess UFFI contamination. To prepay your order, or to receive an instant quote, please click the “buy now” button below.