A Literature Review - Problem Definition Studies on Selected Toxic Chemicals. Volume 6. Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Aspects of Urea-Formaldehyde Resins.

摘要

The Problem Definition Study provides a literature review (88 references) on occupational health hazards and environmental impacts on urea-formaldehyde resins. This study covers the physical and chemical properties, toxicity in humans and animals, effects on microorganisms, plants, and soil organisms, pharmacokinetics, fate in the environment, industrial safety standards and practices and sampling and analysis of urea-formaldehyde resins. Environmental impacts are discussed and recommendations for further studies are provided. Urea-formaldehyde resins are mixtures of condensation products of urea and formaldehyde with indefinite composition, and structure depending on the degree of polymerization. The highly polymerized resins are inert solids which are very stable under ambient conditions and are not readily degraded in the environment. The low molecular weight condensation products are viscous liquids or powdery solids which decompose easily, releasing free formaldehyde that is highly irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals. They can be used as antibacterial products.