From an EPA article on wood smoke, specifically in relation to home wood stoves and fireplaces:
HEALTH EFFECTS OF BREATHING WOODSMOKE
Summary: Numerous scientific studies report potentially serious adverse health effects
from breathing smoke emitted by residential wood combustion. Smoke contains fine
particles, which can affect both the lungs and the heart. Residential wood smoke may be
a significant source of exposure to fine particle pollution. …
Reduce Smoke to Reduce Exposure
People who heat with wood should do so as cleanly as possible. As a result of
federal air quality regulations, wood stoves and fireplace inserts manufactured after 1992
are significantly cleaner-burning than those built earlier. These newer appliances –
properly installed, in good working order, well-maintained and used correctly – help
reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution resulting from burning wood, and consequently,
help reduce risks to health. Homeowners can further reduce those risks by switching to
cleaner fuels, such as gas. If people are burning wood for recreational purposes, they
should consider the impacts on their health, their family’s health, and their neighbors’
health.
http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/pdfs/woodsmoke_health_effects_jan07.pdf
Product Name: ACRYLIC
Chemical Name: POLYMETHYYLMETHACRYLATE
Inhalation: Stock shapes are not respirable, avoid breathing dust, as fine particles can be
inhaled and retained in the lungs.
Section 4: First Aid Measures
If exposed to fumes from overheating, move to fresh air. Consult a physician if symptoms
persist.
Chronic effects: Not considered toxic.
Unusual fire, explosion hazards: Under fire conditions, material may decompose to
form flammable and or explosive mixtures in air.
Hazardous combustion products: When heated to decomposition acrylic emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Section 2. Composition and Information on Ingredients
CAS Number Chemical Name
9003-55-6 Polystyrene
9003-53-8 Modified Polystyrene
Section 3 Hazard Identification
Emergency Overview
The Polystyrene sheet is not expected to be an inhalation hazard under normal processing
conditions. If the material is processed under prolonged exposure to flame or high
temperature, thermal burns to the skin may occur and toxic gasses produced may irritate
the respiratory system.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Hazardous decomposition Products are Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide and various
hydrocarbons. Chemicals that are released from exposure to extremely high temperatures
(600 deg. F or higher) include Styrene Moner, Benzene, and other hydrocarbons
Chronic Effects on Humans
Carcinogenic Effects - classified none by NTP, none by OSHA.
http://www.tapplastics.com/uploads/pdf/MSDS%20High%20Impact%20Styrene.pdf