There is national attention on insulation foam containing formaldehyde. On February 24, the Public Health Service (GGD) advised the municipality by letter to temporarily avoid using insulation material with formaldehyde. Research is ongoing into possible health risks. Insulation material with UF foam can release formaldehyde gas. This can cause short-term complaints such as breathlessness, headaches, and eczema. Long-term exposure may be harmful to health.

Situation in our municipality

The health and safety of our residents is paramount. We understand that the news may raise questions or concerns. Therefore, we want to keep you well and carefully informed. In the past year, our municipal approach has helped nearly 500 owner-occupied homes with free cavity wall insulation. Some of these homes may have used insulation foam containing UF. We are now carefully investigating which homes this applies to. We do this together with experts, such as the GGD.

What are we doing as a municipality?

  • We follow the national research and the advice of the GGD.
  • We map which homes have used UF foam through our approach.
  • Residents whose homes have been insulated through our approach will receive a letter next week.
  • We follow the GGDs advice not to use this type of insulation material anymore in our municipal insulation approach.

Advice from the GGD also for homes insulated by landlords or yourself

  • The GGD advises homeowners and housing corporations to temporarily choose an alternative material to insulate cavity walls. See the Milieu Centraal website for advice on this.
  • The GGD advises contacting your housing corporation or contractor if you have questions about how your cavity wall was insulated.
  • If you have health complaints and think they may be caused by insulation foam, see the GGD website for more information. There you can read when complaints may be related to UF foam and what steps you can take.

How do we proceed?

We continue to closely monitor developments and adjust our policy where necessary. As soon as we have more clarity or measures are needed, we will inform directly.