Is it dangerous to use foam in construction?

To be honest, I did not go deep into the question of the dangers of Styrofoam before I started building a house. But having started construction, one day I heard from a friend: “just don't use foam plastic…”. After that, I began to study information - first on the Internet, then in more reliable sources.

So, is styrofoam dangerous in construction? The question is ambiguous. In my opinion, you cannot treat this material only as dangerous or safe. There are a few things to consider here.

Styrofoam Is expanded polystyrene. To obtain it, two chemical reactions are carried out - polymerization of polystyrene and its foaming with the help of vapor-generating substances, usually pentane. As a result of these reactions, toxic substances such as styrene react with others and change the overall chemical composition. Therefore, in general styrofoam can be harmless. But there is also “underwater rocks».

1. Chemical reactions never go 100%. Therefore, some of the components remain

in the same toxic form. But this is not a problem if all the rules for the production of foam are observed. The presence of toxic substances in minimal doses will not harm human health. Therefore, when deciding to use foam, do not buy low-quality material, make sure that it is made according to GOSTy, check the compliance of the amount of toxic substances with the maximum permissible concentrations, and ask for licenses and certificates!

2. Every chemical reaction there is a reverse process, in which the existing composition is destroyed and the old one returns. In the case of foam, this exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, if you use foam for outdoor insulation, it is better to do it in the fall or early spring, but not in the summer, especially in hot regions!

3. When using foam indoors the same rules apply: there should not be high temperature air, no batteries, incandescent bulbs and other heating elements next to the foam insulation.

4. Combustion and melting foam is worth mentioning separately. When burning styrene and toxins stand out immediately in great numbers, therefore, a person's well-being deteriorates instantly, especially if it happens indoors. If you plan to use foam as insulation, make sure that there are non-combustible materials around it - concrete, plaster, etc.

5. Styrofoam should not corrode when interactions with certain chemicalsdestroying its composition (for example, acetone in paints and varnishes).

When correct operation foam can be harmless. But its integrity cannot be violated. Personally, I would refuse to use foam in the construction of residential premises, because it is simply impossible to create ideal temperature conditions, and I do not want to risk my health and the health of loved ones. Good luck to all!

And also on our channela lot of useful and interesting informationfor construction, finishing works, design, landscaping and much more! Therefore, do not forget to subscribe to the channel so as not to lose us!