Hello where4,
There are concerns that polystyrene foam food and beverage containers
may be harmful. Scientific studies have shown that people are exposed
to a small amount of "styrene" from polystyrene packaging, yet the
research conducted in Europe, the United States and Japan, claims to
support the conclusion that it is safe to eat hot or cold foods
packaged in polystyrene.
From the "The Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe" (APME) website:
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"What about the safety of polystyrene food packaging?
The styrene industry takes the safety of its products very seriously.
Recent, independent scientific studies show that polystyrene food and
beverage containers, ranging from ice cream containers to yoghurt
packaging to hot noodle cups, are safe for normal everyday use. Two
different questions that have been raised in the past about the safety
of polystyrene packaging are addressed below.
Potential for exposure to styrene monomer
Scientific studies have shown that the very small amount of styrene
that people may be exposed to from packaging is about the same amount
as comes from naturally-occurring styrene in foods. These studies have
also shown that these levels of exposure are safe and should not be a
cause for concern.
Potential for exposure to oestrogenic substances
Over the last few years, there have been misleading reports in the
news that some components of polystyrene might migrate from food
containers into the food during microwaving or heating, causing
oestrogenic and potentially adverse health effects in consumers.
So-called environmental oestrogens cover both natural and man-made
substances in the environment that are said to act like oestrogens
(hormones that occur naturally in both plants and animals).
After the first studies suggesting the potential for oestrogenic
effects were published, the industry conducted further research under
the supervision of independent laboratories. Each of these studies
simulated highly exaggerated exposure conditions in order to err on
the side of safety. For example, the exposure level selected for one
of the studies was equivalent to the exposure one might expect from a
daily intake of yoghurt of 5,000 grams per person.
The research, conducted in Europe, the United States and Japan,
clearly supports the conclusion that it is safe to eat hot or cold
foods packaged in polystyrene. These conclusions are consistent with
the findings of the Ministry of Health in Japan, which recently said
that there is no reason to regulate the use of polystyrene products in
relation to potential concerns over environmental oestrogens.
Summary
In all industrialised countries, materials used in containers for food
contact are subjected to rigorous testing. Health agencies like the US
Food and Drug Administration or the European Food Safety Authority set
tight industry standards with high safety factors that all packaging
materials must meet in order to be used for food contact, including
polystyrene. Thus, consumers can feel confident that polystyrene, and
the other products they use under normal conditions are safe."
http://www.apme.org/media/public_documents/20030417_104842/styrenic_FAQ_answers_09.htm
or,
://www.google.com/search?q=cache:9bhqntmAXu4J:www.apme.org/media/public_documents/20030417_104842/styrenic_FAQ_answers_09.htm+%22The+research,+conducted+in+Europe,+the+United+States+and+Japan%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
From the "Polystyrene Packaging Council" (PSPC) website:
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"The Polystyrene Packaging Council works closely with the Styrene
Information and Research Center (SIRC), whose mission is to collect,
develop, analyze and communicate pertinent information on styrene.
Since 1987, SIRC has undertaken a comprehensive research program to
enhance understanding of styrene's potential to affect human health
and the environment.
Polystyrene meets stringent U.S. FDA standards for use in food contact
packaging and is safe for consumers. Health organizations encourage
the use of single-use food service products, including polystyrene,
because they provide increased food safety. (8)
All packaging (glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic - including
polystyrene) contains substances that can "migrate," or transfer, to
foods or beverages. The FDA regulates residual levels of these
components in food packaging to ensure that packaging is safe to use."
http://www.polystyrene.org/polystyrene_facts/facts.html
From: EJnet.org: Web Resources for Environmental Justice Activists:
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"Public Contamination
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.[1] But the EPA National Human Adipose
Tissue Survey for 1986 identified styrene residues in 100% of all
samples of human fat tissue taken in 1982 in the US. Styrene is used
to make polystyrene plastic and is a contaminant in all polystyrene
foam packages.[2] But the migration of styrene is nothing new. It was
first documented in 1972,[3] and then again in 1976.[4]
A 1988 survey published by the Foundation for Advancements in Science
and Education also found styrene in human fatty tissue with a
frequency of 100% at levels from 8 to 350 nanograms/gram (ng/g). The
350 ng/g level is one third of levels known to cause neurotoxic
symptoms.[5] determined that Styrofoam drinking leach Styrofoam into
the liquids they contain. The cups apparently lose weight during the
time they are at use. The studies showed that tea with lemon produced
the most marked change in the weight of the foam cup.[1]
[..]
Health Effects
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 and the root cause of this build- up.
According to a Foundation for Achievements in Science and Education
fact sheet, long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can
cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping),
hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic
(chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic
effects.[1,2] In 1987, the International Agency for Research on
Cancer, Lyon, France, reclassified styrene from a Groups 3 (not
classifiable as to its carcinogenicity) to a Group 2B substance
(possibly carcinogenic to humans).
Although there is evidence that styrene causes cancer in animals, it
has not yet been proven to cause cancer in humans. Styrene primarily
exhibits its toxicity to humans as a neurotoxin by attacking the
central and peripheral nervous systems. The accumulation of these
highly lipid-soluble (fat-soluble) materials in the lipid-rich tissues
of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves is correlated with
acute or chronic functional impairment of the nervous system. [3]
For example, women exposed to low concentrations of styrene vapors in
the workplace are known to have a variety of neurotoxic and menstrual
problems. A Russian study of 110 women exposed to styrene vapors at
levels about 5 mg/m3 demonstrated menstrual disorders, particularly
perturbations of the menstrual cycle and a hypermenorrhea (unusually
heavy flow of menses during the menstrual cycle) syndrome. Styrene-
exposed women often suffered from metabolic disturbances occurring
during pregnancy. [4]
[..]
Styrene Where?
There are several reasons why styrene-based cups could be a source of
contamination. First, the styrene monomer (vinyl benzene), a colorless
or yellowish oily liquid, is the feedstock in the manufacture of
polystyrene. Since the manufacturing process is not 100% efficient,
polystyrene contains some residual styrene. Second, styrene is soluble
in oil and ethanol [1,2,3,4] -- substances commonly found is foods and
alcoholic beverages. For instance, red wine will instantly dissolve
the monomer. A 1985 Cuban study noted migration of monomers from low
and high density polyethylene into milk, yogurt, and alcohol
solutions.[5] This means that ingestion can take place by using
polystyrene cups to drink beer, wine, mixed drinks or perhaps even
coffee with cream.
Most interesting is the degradation of food that contains vitamin A
(betacarotene). In packaged foods with the addition of heat (such as
microwave temperatures), vitamin A will decompose and produce
m-xylene, toluene, and 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene. Toluene will
aggressively dissolve polystyrene. This renders polystyrene as an
unsuitable package for containing or microwaving products that contain
vitamin A.[6]
[..]
http://www.ejnet.org/plastics/polystyrene/health.html
I also came across this interesting article on the "Green Guide"
website. "Lucinda" asked the Green Guide how her son can convince the
head of his school not to use styrofoam in the cafeteria, and if there
is any information that can bolster her son's case.
The Green Guide suggests these two resources:
"Here are two excellent resources for more detailed health information
about styrene:
* www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/styrene/2001ohyamaetal.htm
* www.checnet.org/healthehouse/chemicals/chemicals-detail.asp?Main_ID=286
Another chemical, nonylphenol, has also been found to leach out of
polystyrene plastic, although we don't know whether nonylphenol is in
foamed polystyrene (styrofoam). Nonylphenol is another suspected
hormone disruptor. More information can be found at
www.ourstolenfuture.org."
You can read the whole article here:
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=ask&s=styrofoam
On the "Polystyrene News" site, I discovered polystyrene has been
banned in the following places:
In Canada
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City of Berkeley
- Section 11.60.030 Prohibited food packaging (polystyrene foam).
http://www.mindfully.org/Berkeley/Polystyrene-Foam-Packaging.htm
In China
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Chengdu Bans Polyfoam Food Utensils.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps004.html
* China Bans Polyfoam Utensils.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps003.html
In Korea
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* Korean Government Bans Polystyrene.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps012.html (115Kb)
* PVC Products to be banned in 2004.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps013.html
* Plastic Products banned.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps014.html
In Portland
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* City Council
- Title 9 Food Regulations And Establishments - Chapter 9.28 Ban Of
Polystyrene Foam Food Containers.
http://www.bpcnet.com/cgi-bin/hilite.pl/codes/portland/_DATA/TITLE09/Chapter_9_28_BAN_OF_POLYSTYRENE_FO/index.html
- Polystyrene Foam Food Container Ban.
http://www.sustainableportland.org/recycle_com_styr.html
In Taiwan
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* The Taiwan Government has banned ALL Plastic and Polystyrene
tableware / containers since 1st Jan 2003.
- Was it due to environmental issues?
http://www.epa.gov.tw/bag/promotion/U0619.htm - (Chinese article)
- Was it due to health issues?
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/001/ps001.html - (Chinese artilce)
* Taiwan Bans Polystyrene.
http://www.spacedaily.com/news/021001060955.ccz13t6t.html
http://www.epa.gov.tw/bag/bagpic/U09302.htm - (Chinese article)
* Ministry of Environment, Taiwan, BANS the use of Plastic and Foam Containers.
http://www.polystyrenenews.com/plasticbags/001/pb001.html - (Chinese article)
In Washington
* City of Port Townsend
- Municipal ordinances prohibits the use of Polystyrene Foam
Containers for food packaging (Ordinance 2147).
http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/ORDINANC.NSF/cc301f7d3cafef15852563b80064e070/e15ac3f4c6558dab85256413007d11dd?OpenDocument
[ Source page: http://www.polystyrenenews.com/ ]
Here are some other links that you may find of interest:
Arguments against polystyrene food products
http://www.verdant.net/nofoam.htm
Top 10 Reasons to Stop Using Polystyrene
http://www.bios.niu.edu/cpw/styrene.html
"The Styrene Forum" has been developed as an international resource
for current, accurate information on styrene and products made from
styrene.
http://www.styreneforum.org/
I hope this information is useful to you. If anything is unclear,
please request a clarification, and I will try to assist further if I
can.
Regards,
jackburton-ga
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Disposables versus Reusables: A Study of Comparative Sanitary Quality"
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"Polystyrene Foam Association"
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