If you suspect the presence of UFFI, what should you recommend?

Recommending testing of indoor air is crucial when UFFI (urea-formaldehyde foam insulation) is suspected in a property. UFFI was commonly used in the 1970s as insulation, but it poses health risks due to formaldehyde emissions, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications.

Testing indoor air for formaldehyde levels is essential to assess whether the insulation is still off-gassing harmful chemicals. This approach allows for a clear understanding of the indoor air quality and determines whether remediation is necessary to ensure the safety and health of the occupants. Action can be taken based on the results of the air testing, which might include increasing ventilation or removing the insulation if levels are found to be unsafe.

While consulting a structural engineer, inspecting the property's exterior, and performing a visual inspection may be relevant steps in various scenarios pertaining to property assessment, they do not directly address the immediate concern of air quality related to UFFI. These methods lack the specificity needed to assess the presence of harmful formaldehyde emissions directly linked to UFFI. Therefore, focused air testing is the appropriate recommendation in this situation.