Hong Kong fire: What are Styrofoam boards? Why are they dangerous

The Hong Kong fire that was doused on Friday morning after hours of firefighting after claiming 128 lives. The fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court on Wednesday afternoon, damaged seven high-rise towers. While bamboo scaffolding was initially cited as the possible cause of the fire, other construction materials at the sites, such as protective nets, canvas sheets, and plastic coverings, were also suspected of not meeting required safety standards.

However, according to Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), the netting used to cover the scaffolding met safety standards after a laboratory test, but the Styrofoam boards found outside the buildings’ windows were highly flammable.

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According to HKFP, the authorities believe the fire at the netting covering the lower floors of Wang Cheong House burned the boards, sending flames rapidly upward. “The blaze then took hold of the boards and broke the windows. As a result, it quickly accelerated and spread indoors,”  Secretary for Security Chris Tang  said as reported by HKFP.

“Within a short period, a large-scale blaze occurred both inside the buildings and outside, leading to the tragedy,” Tang added.

Let’s find out what these Styrofoam boards are, the ripple effect of which led to the massive blaze that lasted for two days

Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene or EPS boards, is used in construction. It functions as an insulator in walls, roofs, and foundations to enhance energy efficiency and control temperature. They also act as a water barrier and as a sheath to resist moisture. It has the ability to help seal air leaks as well.

The fact that they are lightweight and can easily be cut makes them a top choice for various applications. They have robust compressive strength and can be used for the long term. Their lightweight nature and ability to be quickly installed make them a suitable choice for use in construction work

Why are Styrofoam dangerous?

It is a pollutant, as it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, can easily break down into microplastics that can be ingested by wildlife, cause blockages, and contaminate food. Hence, its usage is banned in food packaging applications in the European Union.

Styrofoam is manufactured from petroleum, and it can release harmful chemicals and be a major contributor to air pollution. Highly inflammable, Styrofoam (polystyrene foam) burns rapidly, melts into burning drips, and gives out a complex mixture of toxic and potentially carcinogenic gases when it comes into contact with fire.