At least 2,196 homes across Zeeland have been insulated with toxic urea-formaldehyde (UF) foam, an investigation revealed on July 28, 2026.
The material emits carcinogenic formaldehyde gas, posing serious health risks.
UF foam was widely used during the 1970s and 1980s as a budget-friendly cavity wall insulation.
Prolonged exposure can cause headaches, burning eyes, dizziness, and an elevated risk of nasal and throat cancer.
Health authorities have raised alarm over the widespread presence of the substance.
"UF foam primarily affects the respiratory tract, so eye irritation is possible, but it can also cause irritation to the lungs," said a spokesperson for GGD Zeeland.
"It is certainly also carcinogenic."
Although housing corporations stopped using the material, most lack comprehensive historical records identifying affected properties.
Clavis, managing properties in Terneuzen and Sluiskil, stated that investigations are unnecessary because the foam only poses risks within its first year.
However, experts note that aged, crumbling, or improperly installed foam continues leaking gas for decades.
Other housing providers present varying levels of oversight. Woongoed Zeeuws-Vlaanderen confirmed that one-third of its properties contain the material, while Zeeuwland identified 196 affected homes.
"We last applied it two years ago. Those fumes are basically gone after one or two weeks," said a spokesperson for Woongoed Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
In response to safety risks, the Ministry of Interior temporarily suspended subsidies for UF foam insulation on April 1.
Despite air testing revealing formaldehyde levels three times higher in insulated homes, local housing corporations have not initiated air measurements due to high costs.
Labor organizations warn that uninformed residents and workers face unexpected exposure during renovations and demolition work. "I find that worrisome," said Khalid Azougagh of employee organization FNV.
He advocated for complete inventory checks by property managers to safeguard workers tasked with removing the insulation.
"We are dealing with a carcinogenic substance here. Proper protection is necessary to prevent people from getting sick from their work," said Azougagh.
He emphasized that the current lack of transparency creates unpredictable hazards for occupants attempting self-renovations. "Residents do not know where they stand," he said.
Azougagh demanded proactive steps from housing managers across the region to locate all historical installations. "Employers must map out where the UF foam is located," he said.
While housing corporations report receiving minimal direct complaints, regional health services continue monitoring reported cases as nationwide awareness of UF foam toxicity grows.
