§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that the use of urea formaldehyde foam for insulation in National Health Service hospitals does not have a harmful effect on the health of patients and employees in these hospitals.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergHospitals with cavity walls normally have impervious inner sections. Where the cavity is filled with urea formaldehyde foam, any formaldehyde gas given off diffuses outwards to the exterior of the building. We are therefore satisfied there should be no significant risk of harm to patients or employees, especially if the foam is properly installed by a firm registered under the British Standards Institution's registered firms scheme.
This information has been brought to the attention of hospitals.