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Styrofoam Cup Dangers

Styrofoam cups and containers are virtually everywhere. While these cups might seem convenient because they are durable and lightweight, they can have a negative impact on the environment and human health.

  1. What is Styrofoam?

    • Styrofoam is made of polystyrene, a type of petroleum-based plastic. It is created by a heating and cooling process.

    Danger to Humans

    • Because of the heating and cooling process, Styrofoam can break down when put in the microwave. The breaking down allows plastic to leech into your food and enter your body.

    Effects

    • Ingesting too much polystyrene can have negative health effects, including depression, cancer and nerve damage.

    Environmental Dangers

    • Styrofoam is not only a potential threat to humans, it is a potential danger to the environment. Cups and containers made of this synthetic material are hard to recycle. They must be melted using proper equipment, which the majority of recycling facilities do not have.

    Additional Dangers

    • Some scientists believe producing Styrofoam emits ozone into the atmosphere at levels that are unsafe.

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