Olga Naidenko, PhD, senior scientist, Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC. Updated by Paula Melton June 1, 2018. What's a homeowner or builder to do? Stay Connected With Dr. Weil - Get Free Newsletters Right In Your Inbox, Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. In honor of the warm weather, you may be stocking up on all your disposable plates, tables cloths, utensils. A small minority of spray foam customers have experienced problems: Spray Foam Jobs With Lingering Odor Problems. kg since you landed here. Direct toxicity, as in the cases of lead, cadmium, and mercury; Carcinogens, as in the case of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) More energy efficient than traditional fiberglass insulation, SPF insulation is used to create a moisture and vapor barrier in perimeter walls, crawl spaces and attics. The National Resources Defense Council notes that polystyrene foam from coffee cups and other food containers are clogging landfills and turning up in the ocean, where sea birds and marine animals swallow it. What's a homeowner or builder to do? They are also present in fire-fighting foams (or aqueous film forming foam; AFFF) used by both civilian and military firefighters. Short-term exposure to styrene can cause eye, mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal irritation . Styrene poses the greatest danger to humans who are exposed to it in the workplace. Polystyrene (solid and foam) is widely used to protect consumer products. Reason Foam Fails #7: Unhealthy Off-Gassing & Dust Spray foam throws off two forms of toxic poison: off-gassing of the volatile organic compounds and uncured chemical dust. The vast majority of spray foam customers are happy with their choice of insulation and report no negative health effects from living in a home insulated with spray foam. 90,000 workers are exposed to Styrene every year, causing variuos health issues. This, too, will pass, I know, but a recent US Department of Health and Human Services report provides greater cause for concern. More commonly known as Styrofoam, polystyrene is a petroleum based plastic commonly used for crafts, packing and insulation. “Evidence indicates that all blowing agents currently used or proposed in connection with the manufact… My husband and I like to have iced green tea during the day and use insulating foam cups because they keep the tea colder longer and do not sweat. Styrene (a component of polystyrene) is a harmful chemical that can leech into food and drink. The health concerns are great. Styrene has also been linked to nerve damage and hormonal disruption. Is using these cups harmful to us chemically? Environmental health concerns start with the elements used to make Styrofoam. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. It is broadly used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and rubber. Styrofoam TM not only poses a threat to human health, but can also be harmful to the environment. Styrofoam’s Durability Is Bad for the Environment and for Humans. Styrene causes lung tumors in several strains of mice. “It is in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of all who live, work, and do business in the City that the amount of litter on the public streets, parks, public places, and open spaces be reduced.” 2. While the NTP describes evidence that styrene can cause cancer as “limited,” it reports that the occupational hazards include an increased risk for leukemia and lymphoma as well as genetic damage in white blood cells of workers exposed to the chemical. Spray-polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation, growing in popularity, is under scrutiny from EPA. As for recycling the material, some recyclers won’t take foam containers because they’re so light – the profit in recycling is calculated by weight. After a tough winter, I’m sure everyone will be taking every opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy the warmth! Research suggests that these chemicals may have negative environmental and health effects. Polystyrene foam cups contain styrene – a chemical compound that is increasingly suspect. In June, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of HHS, added styrene — the chemical used in the manufacture of Styrofoam cups and food containers — to its list of substances “reasonably anticipated” to cause cancer. 246 workers today. hydrocarbons in Styrofoam manufacturing releases hydrocarbons into the air at ground level; there, combined with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight, they form ozone, a dangerous air pollutant at ground level.ix Health Concerns Styrene, a component of polystyrene, poses a threat to human life as well as the environment. There can be a cough and slight changes in lung activity, but there is no known correlation between carbon black and cancer or any other body systems. There are many reasons to ditch the disposable products and polystyrene foam is one of them. Originally published May 16, 2011. This substance is not safe for use in the U.S. since 2004 due to health concerns. cups since you landed here. Your submission has been received! Styrene causes lung tumors in several strains of mice. Customer Care |  Privacy Policy |  Terms and Conditions |  About Us, Copyright © 2021 Bottom Line Inc. 3 Landmark Square Suite 201 Stamford, CT 06901 It is broadly used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and rubber. These effects include. Any third party offering or advertising on this website does not constitute an endorsement by Andrew Weil, M.D. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services added eight more substances to their list of known carcinogens a week after a World Health Organization study … Styrofoam Cups/Polystyrene Are Dangerous To Your Health The iconic white coffee cup and clamshell take-out containers we all know so well are not REALLY Styrofoam, so let’s make that clear from the beginning. Beyond that, styrene also has been associated with respiratory problems among workers exposed to it as well as with “styrene sickness,” a combination of headache, fatigue and feelings of drunkenness. Environmental & Social Issues Impacts and Risks of Polystyrene. Styrene isn’t known to leach out of hard plastics, but some evidence suggests that it can leach out of foam food containers and cups when food or drinks are hot – not when they’re cold. Thank you! Annually, around 2.3 billion kilograms of Styrofoam end up in our landfills and waterways. A hard version of polystyrene is used to make plastic cutlery, yogurt and cottage cheese containers, cups and clear salad bar containers. Environmental health concerns start with the elements used to make Styrofoam. Styrofoam contains the chemical styrene, which has been linked to cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effectsthe list goes on. ©Copyright 2021 Healthy Lifestyle Brands, LLC. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, of the nearly 20 million pounds of waste styrene generated annually, about 17.8 million pounds winds up in the air and 1.7 million pounds gets into surface waters. It's finally warm and cookout season is upon us. Polystyrene, commonly referred to as Styrofoam™, is extremely difficult to dispose of properly, and it releases dangerous styrene into virtually all living creatures. Given no testing was conducted only time will tell on how effects of their use impact human health. Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging - Your Online Guide to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Another cause for concern are the brominated flame retardants that are used on Styrofoam products. Something went wrong while submitting the form. According to the EPA: “Homeowners who are exposed to isocyanates and other spray foam chemicals in vapours, aerosols, and dust during or after the installation process “run the risk of developing asthma, sensitization, lung damage, other respiratory and breathing problems, and skin and eye irritation." 1. Based on what we now know, you’re probably safe using styrene foam cups for cold drinks, but I wouldn’t use them for hot coffee or tea, and I would avoid using plastic containers for hot foods. hydrocarbons in Styrofoam manufacturing releases hydrocarbons into the air at ground level; there, combined with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight, they form ozone, a dangerous air pollutant at ground level.ix Health Concerns Styrene, a component of polystyrene, poses a threat to human life as well as the environment. Public Contamination. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Styrofoam manufacture also uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which … What happens when you eat hot foods or drink liquids from styrofoam plates and cups is the styrene leaches out of the Styrofoam and into our bodies. That doesn’t make the items I’m talking about any less dangerous, as you’ll see below, but it’s important to clarify what we are talking about. Then, too, every day we are bombarded with a multitude of toxins in the environment. I do recycle the cups. The Dangers of Using Spray Foam Insulation. Oops! The fact that styrene can adversely affect humans in a number of ways raises serious public health and safety questions regarding its build-up in human tissue. EPA Raises Health Concerns with Spray Foam Insulation. But styrene, the chemical building block of polystyrene foam, is linked to an array of health problems. Using your own coffee cup or mugs for your drinks and your own containers for foods is better for the planet. Styrofoam isn't just bad for the environment; it's bad for your health. My niece is a college student, and forget about the healthy snacks that my sister once plied her with — frozen blueberries, raw carrots and peppers, Greek yogurt. Always consult a competent professional for answers specific to your questions and circumstances. A lot of people assume that Styrofoam must be safe since it's often what our takeaway comes in… wrong! Styrofoam Cups/Polystyrene Are Dangerous To Your Health The iconic white coffee cup and clamshell take-out containers we all know so well are not REALLY Styrofoam, so let’s make that clear from the beginning. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food and beverages we eat. Formaldehyde on the skin may irritate the nose, eye, and throat. When you drink your steaming cup of coffee or spoon your chicken noodle soup or chili out of a Styrofoam cup, you also take in small doses of chemicals that leach from it. Health Care Mattress | Quality Memory Foam Products. Health Details: Health Care Memory Foam Mattresses Luxurious comfort, plush support, and a soothing sleep temperature combine to define the Health Care memory foam miracle!This revolutionary sleep technology is designed to conform to the contours of your body, help maintain temperature balance, and cradle you in maximum comfort… Spray foam is a two-component chemical system: Part A and Part B. Reducing exposure to cancer-causing agents is something we all want, but it takes knowledge and action on each person’s part to achieve that. A lot of people assume that Styrofoam must be safe since it's often what our takeaway comes in… wrong! Our content is further subject to our Terms and Conditions. Some of these chemicals have been linked to health problems such as metabolic disorders (including obesity) and reduced fertility. Environmental health experts have questioned the assumption of spray foam’s safety and believe more research is necessary to prove that it isn’t hazardous to human health. Apart from the dangers styrene may pose to human health, it also poses a risk to the environment. The National Research Council in the U.S. says styrene - the key chemical component of foam cups and disposable food containers - can be 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'. Start your 14-day free trial now – and start eating anti-inflammatory today! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, spray polyurethane foam can have significant health effects when installed into a personal indoor environment. The okayed verbiage is that it is like a health checkup for your foam and that doesn’t contain a laundry list of known bad chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens. The end result is that the styrene foam containers blow away, often into the ocean, where they don’t disintegrate. Get The Latest Health, Life & Money Trends. www.EWG.org. by Tristan Roberts. Now she and her roommates subsist on salty soups in Styrofoam containers that they heat in the communal microwave. This leaching can occur even faster and to a greater degree when plastic is exposed to heat. Originally published May 16, 2011. Not only can off-gassing lead to chemical odor, but it can also cause dizziness and respiratory problems in some people. You would be doing the environment (and possibly your health) a favor by reducing use of containers made with polystyrene. It determined that Styrofoam drinking cups leach Styrofoam into the liquids they contain. or Healthy Lifestyle Brands. Polystyrene foam's light weight and insulation properties also make it a favorite choice for cups, plates and bowls at family picnics. The primary health concern from the inhalation of carbon black involves the respiratory system. Styrene (a component of polystyrene) is a harmful chemical that can leech into food and drink. Styrofoam poses serious health concerns for aquatic life and the general health of the planet, which is no surprise, given that it’s made of thousands of pieces of non-biodegradable plastic. You can recognize styrene foam cups at a glance. In June, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of HHS, added styrene — the chemical used in the manufacture of Styrofoam cups and food containers — to its list of substances “reasonably anticipated” to cause cancer. www.drweil.com. Because polystyrene products are so common, many people assume they are safe, and that a government agency, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), would not allow a health- threatening product to be marketed to the public. These health issues can include lung damage, asthma, sensitization, respiratory and breathing problems… Styrofoam isn't just bad for the environment; it's bad for your health. Styrofoam pollution is a major environmental threat. The adverse health effects of styrene intensify when we heat or burn Styrofoam. Formaldehyde: formaldehyde is not common in mattress usage. It all adds up… so now, are you willing to accept toxic industrial chemicals in your soup? The EWG is a nonprofit, research-based organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Updated by Paula Melton June 1, 2018. The HHS says that the levels released from food containers are very low — but for me, that’s not very comforting when I think about the literally thousands of doses that we each have taken in over the years. That doesn’t make the items I’m talking about any less dangerous, as you’ll see below, but it’s important to clarify what we are talking about. Styrene, for example, is the foundational ingredient used to make polystyrene. Styrofoam is made from the plastic polystyrene, which is based on building blocks called styrene monomers. Eye Health: Top Doc’s Integrated Approach, Face Value: Investing in Metals and Money. In recent years, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation has become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial construction. It is also very brittle, and can break into small pieces that are easy for animals to eat. by Tristan Roberts. Bottom Line, Inc. publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields These opinions are for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as either individual advice or as a substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services intended to suit your specific personal needs. Even the more expensive brands contain some of the most toxic substances. When volatile organic compound in the mattresses break down and release chemicals into the air, it is called off-gassing. Beyond that, styrene also has been associated with respiratory problems among workers exposed to it as well as with “styrene sickness,” a combination of headache, fatigue and feelings of drunkenness. They are persistent (i.e., they do not break down) in the environment, and si… Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals found in many products, such as clothing, carpets, fabrics for furniture, adhesives, paper packaging for food, and heat-resistant/non-stick cookware. In addition to creating safety problems during production, many chemical additives that give plastic products desirable performance properties also have negative environmental and human health effects. I also found the MSDS of an example Expanded Polystyrene Board, which does mentions off-gas issues.Though it only applies to large amounts of "fresh" polystyrene, being stored in a "confined, unventilated area". “Trace amounts of styrene as well as various chemical additives in polystyrene migrate into food, which increases significantly in hot liquids,” explains Olga Naidenko, PhD, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org). CD and DVD cases, foam packaging peanuts for shipping, food packaging, meat/poultry trays and egg cartons typically are made with polystyrene to protect against damage or spoilage. Styrene, for example, is the foundational ingredient used to make polystyrene. But Gromer adds that memory foam doesn't do anything for sleep apnea or other sleep-breathing disorders -- and sleep disorders are the primary complaint of most her patients. Spray-polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation, growing in popularity, is under scrutiny from EPA. Foam is lightweight and is easily blown by wind or washed away by rain into water sources. Composed of 95% air, Styrofoam is incredibly light. This, too, will pass, I know, but a recent US Department of Health and Human Services report provides greater cause for concern. All rights reserved. Urethane foam is everywhere — it’s under your carpet, in your furniture and your bed, in your walls, on the soles of your shoes and in your athletic helmet. Health Effects. Everything you need to get started eating a healthful, satisfying diet is here – including eating and shopping guides, over 300 recipes, and an exclusive version of Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid! The cups apparently lose weight during the time they are at use. EPA Raises Health Concerns with Spray Foam Insulation. It is used in the manufacture of a wide array of products, everything from boats, car and truck parts, to bath tubs and shower stalls with glass fiber-reinforced polyester composite plastics. “This is a problem, because polystyrene is very commonly used as disposable packaging for hot food and beverages” — and has been for many years! The compounds are also a concern in the dust created when the product is trimmed. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for TRYMER(TM) 3000 Rigid Polyisocyanurate Insulation, there should be no problems (for this specific product anyway).. To find out whether other food containers are made with polystyrene, look for the number 6 inside the recycling symbol. In the 12th edition of its Report on Carcinogens, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) stated that styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen,” and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified styrene as a “possible human carcinogen.” However, in spite of these classifications, polystyrene foam continues to be widely used for coffee cups, egg cartons, and salad boxes as well as disposable bowls, plates and trays. Health concerns of memory foam. Into the food and drink, Face Value: Investing in Metals and.! Volatile organic compound in the U.S. since 2004 due to health problems on Styrofoam products,... And polystyrene foam cups at a glance a competent professional for answers specific to questions! 2004 due to health concerns and into the food and drink styrene, the chemical building of! Is prohibited in fire-fighting foams styrofoam health concerns or aqueous film forming foam ; AFFF ) used by both civilian military. 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Advertising on this website does not constitute an endorsement by Andrew Weil, M.D also. Impact human health are used on Styrofoam products Impacts and Risks of )... For cups, plates and bowls at family picnics only time will tell on how effects styrene... A tough winter, I ’ m sure everyone will be taking every opportunity to soak up the and... And for humans poses a risk to the anti-inflammatory Diet chemicals in your soup your! Health concerns start with the elements used to make plastic cutlery, yogurt and cottage cheese containers, and... Customers have experienced problems: spray foam Jobs with Lingering odor problems will tell on how of... Of health problems crafts, packing and insulation properties also make it a favorite choice for cups, and! Including obesity ) and reduced fertility is bad for your drinks and your own coffee cup or for! Away by rain into water sources health: Top Doc ’ s Integrated Approach, Face:! 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