4'x8' foam insulation panels question

[J A]

Do those 4'x8' foam insulation panels commonly found in Lowes and HD have any issues regarding toxic fumes release?

Does sunlight hitting them cause vapor problems?

Thanks

[Edwin Pawlowski]

What panels do you mean? The blue Styrofoam? The white bead foam? If so, they do not outgas anything and they are the same base material used in beverage cups.

They may degrade a bit over time exposed to sunlight. Give them a coat of latex paint.

[aemeijers]

No, but fire does. Almost all of them require fire break (drywall) over them if used in living space. I hear there are exceptions, but I haven't personally managed to locate them. (I badly need to insulate my basement walls, but don't want to go to the expense/work of a studded wall to cover.)

aem sends...

[Edwin Pawlowski]

There is a special fire retarding paint that can be applied over the foam. Cost is something like $50 a gallon.