Are Styrofoam Ceiling Tiles Dangerous?

Styrofoam ceiling tiles are safe. Like practically all organic building materials polystyrene foam is combustible. However, in practice, its burning behavior depends on the conditions under which it is used, as well as the inherent properties of the material. When installed correctly, expanded polystyrene products do not present an undue fire hazard. However, they can be harmful in the event of a fire. A fire will cause the styrofoam to burn and melt, and release toxic gases, mainly "carbon monoxide" and "styrene gas".

Unfortunately, polystyrene will begin to soften at relatively high temperatures near 100°C, at which point it will begin to shrink. When heated further, they will melt, at which point they will release a gaseous, flammable product. If exposed to further heat, such as in a house fire, these gases will ignite. The products released during the melting process may also be highly toxic.

Carbon Monoxide

Inhalation of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. If carbon monoxide levels are high enough, you can lose consciousness or die. Prolonged exposure to moderate and high levels of CO is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease. People who survive severe CO poisoning may suffer long-term health problems.

Styrene gas

Inhalation of styrene gas can severely affect the nervous system. These health effects include altered color vision, fatigue, intoxication, slowed reaction time, poor concentration and balance problems. The concentrations of styrene that cause these effects are more than 1,000 times higher than the concentrations typically found in the environment.

So, explore the potential dangers of foam poly styrene ceilings and how to ensure safety and peace of mind is important.

Poly styrene foam is the term used for any extruded polystyrene foam. This means that polystyrene is the actual core material of the foam polystyrene product. However, as far as the material itself is concerned, styrofoam products are quite safe.

In life, many people sometimes drink coffee or eat food out of a foam polystyrene container in a foam polystyrene cup.

Burning foam polystyrene emits harmful fumes and gases that can have long-term effects. However, technology for foam polystyrene has come a long way in the last decade. Today, many manufacturers claim to have polystyrene foam blocks that are fireproof and noncombustible. 

If a fire does cause foam poly styrene foam blocks or any other foam polystyrene foam product to burn in your home, extinguish the flames and immediately open windows and doors to ventilate the home.

More about foam sheet you can also click here;