Ok to set the record straight softening enough for forming is not going to gas you out. Burning it will. FWIW you can blow pvc pipe like a glass blower does into interesting shapes.
True...its not a terribly strong smell, but its there...the hotter you go the stronger it gets IME...that's why I only heat it enough to do what I need to do...and 220* (ish) has always got 'er dun for me...its pretty darn pliable at that temp.