Dive summary:
- Foam building insulation sold in the U.S. is treated with fire-retardant chemicals in order to pass a certain safety test, but a study by scientists at several research centers says the test is unrealistic and should be dropped and the chemicals should be, too.
- The chemicals, known generally as halogenated organic compounds, leak into the environment over time and are suspected of being carcinogenic, the researchers say.
- Manufacturers only add the chemicals in order to pass the Steiner Tunnel Test for fire, which the researchers say is inappropriate, and more insulation would be used if eliminating chemicals reduced prices.
From the article:
"Such a change would … decrease the cost of foam plastic insulation and encourage the use of insulation materials for increasing building energy efficiency and mitigating climate change. ..."
