Pronunciation and modest advice for municipalities, construction firms and especially for the Construction Institute...

Triggered by the fire that happened in a building in Tirana... The fire was mainly on the outer surface (facade) and in two or three entrances inside.... These data from the information of the relevant institutions. Why did the fire happen?! According to my judgment, as a plastic specialist over 40 years old, I cannot remain indifferent, thus giving my opinion... The palace is covered with a polystyrene hood and plastered with an inert layer from the outside. Expanded polystyrene (in foam form) is also called Styrofoam. In chemical terms, polystyrene is a hydrocarbon with a long chain of carbon atoms to which phenyl groups are attached. The chemical formula is (C8H18)n, so it is an aromatic hydrocarbon that burns giving carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water (steam). Polystyrene is flammable and is classified according to DIN 4102 as a product with the symbol "B3", which means extremely flammable... Although it is an optimally efficient insulator, thanks to its closed-cell structure, where 98% is void, its use is prohibited in any exposed installation in the construction of buildings, unless the material is non-flammable, which is achieved by adding, during polymerization, chemical additives that extinguish flames. In case the polystyrene does not carry this specific property then the panels exposed by it must be hidden between or behind the metal sheets or concrete blocks, brick walls and between the layers of the terraces... Expanded polystyrene materials are accidentally ignited causing large fires, as is the case at Dusseldorf International Airport. Since polystyrene has a high calorific value and is compared to coal and petrol, its waste is a problem all over the world, therefore they are burned giving thermal and electrical energy... Everything said above, related to polystyrene is based on studies and research , which experimenters and other scientists have done over time for the insulation and flammability of polystyrene, these data solidified in European Norms, such as CE 1935/2004. These thoughts and modest assessments should be taken into account by all the country's Municipalities that not only allow, but also stimulate the payment of 50% of the cost for building buildings. Even construction companies should not play the role of the defendant, but stop and be aware of the dangers that can be caused by fires. The Institute of Construction should not be overlooked.