http://webmail.aol.com/39598/aol/en-us/Mail/DisplayMessage.aspx

The above link discussed danger of fire retardant on polystyrene including EPS.  How does this apply to SIPs?

International Authorities Turn Up the Heat on Toxic Flame Retardants in Building Materials

By Bill Walsh, Executive Director
Healthy Building Network

November 6, 2008

In June 2004, the Environmental Building News published an exceptionally thorough analysis warning green building professionals of the environmental health dangers associated with a class of highly toxic chemicals known as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and called for their phase-out. Recent international developments are amplifying this call into a worldwide chorus.

Virtually all polystyrene foam used in building insulation (both XPS, such as Styrofoam, and EPS) is treated with HEXABROMOCYCLODODECANE, known as HBCD. HBCD is a probable endocrine disruptor which bioaccumulates up the food chain. This class of chemicals suffers from grossly inadequate testing for environmental health impacts, and emissions of HBCD during use in various building applications have not been studied. Its detection in household dust, sewage sludge, breast milk and body fluids as well as wildlife and the global environment is currently attributed to manufacturing emissions. HBCD has other uses such as treating upholstery fabrics; however, 85% is used with polystyrene insulation.

That is interesting. But based on informatio from NOVA Chemicals and the National Bureau of Standards Combustion Test, data collected from 7 labs concluded that under the worse case scenario, EPS was considered to be no more toxic than wood.

I would suggest reading the whole report, it also applied to soft polyurethane furniture cushions, that are probably more dangerous because we come in direct contact.

The  HBCD. HBCD are a concern in the manufacturing facilities not in the home......   EPS does not off-gas after manufacturing,

http://www.healthybuilding.net/healthcare/Toxic%20Chemicals%20in%20Building%20Materials.pdf

It also states that flourecsent lights are dangerous too because of mercury.

see that hemp guy wasn't so crazy after all