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Styrofoam & Consumer's Health

Restaurants once served hot coffee and tea in styrofoam cups; sandwiches were served in styrofoam containers. Although enviromental worries led to the use of paper cups and wraps, health concerns about styrofoam remain prevalent in 2010.

  1. Polystyrene

    • Styrofoam is the commonly-used name for polystyrene. The primary ingredient, styrene, is also used in packing materials, insulation and carpets. It is also a product of tobacco smoke.

    Inhalation

    • According to the EPA, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, workers exposed to styrene may experience fatigue, difficulty with coordination, trouble concentrating and other nervous system issues. This applies primarily to those who have worked in plants manufacturing plastic and rubber.

    Ingestion

    • Ingesting high levels of styrene may lead to liver damage, kidney damage and gastrointestinal problems. This information is according to reports from the EPA and ATSDR.

    Cancer

    • Some studies suggest that exposure to styrene may increase risk of cancers, especially leukemia and lymphoma. The EPA calls styrene a "probable human carcinogen."

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