Even with flame retardant additives, storage and handling of geofoam blocks should be done with attention to fire safety. Ultraviolet Radiation Subjecting EPS geofoam to ultraviolet radiation results in surface deterioration. Research at GRC indicates there is no detrimental change in interface friction caused by UV degradation over 3 months exposure to sunlight and also on samples subjected to accelerated weathering in the laboratory. Pressure washing of a UV degraded geofoam surface re-establishes adhesion bonding and maximum interface strength. Insects Insects may nest in geofoam placed underground.
Some manufacturers can produce geofoam with a proprietary insect control additive.
Other than in cases related to subsurface home insulation, there have been no known instances of insect infestation problems in lightweight fill applications over more than 25 years anywhere around the world. Geofoam has no nutritional value. Insects either bore through or use geofoam for habitation. This problem is very rare and only tends to occur only in warm climate of the Southern States and where there is a food source. Adequate surcharge must be provided or ground water levels must be controlled to ensure stability against uplift both during construction and while in service.