ᐅ Perlite-filled bricks (polystyrene, pesticides)?

Hello everyone,

We are considering using perlite-filled bricks. However, I have already heard negative comments from two different construction companies:
- Polystyrene is used in the manufacturing process, so the bricks would contain "toxin-filled gas chambers."
- The perlite is treated with pesticides.

I was able to verify online that polystyrene is indeed used in production, but I couldn’t confirm the other claims. Can anyone provide some insight?

Thank you.

Perlite is a mineral, volcanic glass.
There are also stones filled with EPS (polystyrene).
Or are there stones that contain both?
I only know of either one or the other.

Why would anyone do that, anyway? Just think about the hazardous waste generated during the foundation work... You can take hollow bricks to the recycling center.

EPS is not loose fill, if I remember correctly.
There are advantages to filling cavities instead of just applying insulation on the outside.

Perlite is impregnated.
A fire retardant additive is added to polystyrene, which was replaced a few years ago with a less harmful one.

Perlite can be reused.
EPS must be recycled. There are tests involving mealworms and a processing plant in the Netherlands. Polystyrene is supposed to be cleaned, melted down, and re-expanded. Melting down is planned to be done on construction sites in the future to reduce transport volume.

haydee schrieb:

EPS is not a loose fill, if I remember correctly.
There are advantages to filling the cavities rather than just applying it on the outside.

But with modern bricks, is that still necessary?

I think it depends on the building standard and the overall concept. If you want to meet higher energy-saving regulations without considering solar, photovoltaics, and similar technologies, it won’t be possible otherwise. Or for reasons of sound insulation.