Why is Styrofoam Bad?

The desire for a general reduction in the cost of production reached the construction site, and today there is a huge amount of synthetic materials on the insulation market, including polystyrene foam.

I would not recommend insulating residential buildings with foam sheets for two reasons, I will try to talk about them in this short article.

-1- The composition of the foam.

Among the harmful elements, it includes:

• styrene (0.01-0.2%) is a substance harmful to our health, which is released into the air for 18-20 years after the installation of foam. It is released at temperatures above 25 ° C, that is, almost all year round.
• phenol - the second harmful chemical compound of foam plastic. It stands out from the insulation when exposed to direct sunlight.
• formaldehyde (aka methanal) - toxic compound, released during combustion (melting temperature - 160 ° C and above).

-2- Cumulative effect of foam

When choosing insulation, remember that those substances that are released from the foam accumulate in the body.

My advice.

Do not use styrofoam in residential areas: inside rooms at home or inside apartments;

If you are attracted by its heat-efficient properties, use the foam only on the outside walls of the house and equip the facade ventilation.