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XPSA > Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Extruded Polystyrene foam insulation’s (XPS) numerous benefits make the product one of the most widely used and trusted in residential and commercial construction throughout the world. Architects, builders, and building occupants can feel confident that all XPS insulation products are safe and have been approved for use by regulatory bodies worldwide.

Why are there flame retardants in XPS foam insulation?

XPS foam insulation includes flame retardants to protect life and property as well as to meet building and fire safety codes and standards. Flame retardants have proven time and time again to slow the spread of fire, which can add precious extra time to enable building occupants to escape. The building codes related to the fire-safety performance of foam insulation products are based on years of careful analysis, extensive testing, and a deliberative, international, code-development process.

While the number of residential fires and civilian fire deaths has continued to decline since the 1970’s, XPS manufacturers continue to formulate their products with flame retardants because the risk of death and damage from fires has not been eliminated.

What flame retardants are used in XPS foam insulation?

XPS foam insulation products currently on the market use the current generation of flame retardant alternatives which have been evaluated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for Environment Program and approved for usage in XPS products. These flame retardants have allowed XPS manufacturers to phase out the use of HBCDs in XPS products.

XPSA Headquarters

529 14th Street, N.W.
Suite 1280
Washington, DC 20045

Phone Number:
202.207.1113

About XPSA

The Extruded Polystyrene Foam Association (XPSA) is a trade association representing manufacturers of Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS) insulation products and the industry’s raw material suppliers. XPSA members collectively manufacture more than 95% of all XPS destined for use in the North American market. XPSA promotes the benefits that accrue to society from appropriate use of XPS foam insulation applications.

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