Styrofoam is actually a trade name for a polystyrene foam material that is used to make a variety of products, including plates, cups and fast-food containers. Styrofoam is difficult to recycle; many environmental groups discourage its use. A more intimate concern are the health foods that have been heated or cooked in the microwave on Styrofoam plates. risks associated with consuming.
Heat
Heating food in a microwave oven on Styrofoam plates can cause the material to melt and break down, releasing chemical gases that contaminate the food. Heating foods with a high fat content accelerates this process. Even if the food is arranged on a paper napkin on top of a Styrofoam plate, chemicals can still migrate from the packaging to the food, as direct contact is not necessary. Using a low temperature to prevent the material from overheating risks bacterial growth and potential food poisoning, as certain levels of heat are required to kill bacteria.
Styrene
Styrene is a component of Styrofoam. According to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to styrene affects the central nervous system, causing fatigue, headaches, confusion, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and the sensation of intoxication. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a potential human carcinogen. When food is heated or cooked on Styrofoam, the toxins from styrene may be released into the food.
Benzene is another component of Styrofoam that can leak into food when it is heated. Consuming high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and in extreme cases, death. Benzene is a natural component of gasoline, cigarette smoke and crude oil. It is used to make dyes, detergents, pesticides, lubricants, rubbers, resins, plastic, nylon, synthetic fibers and drugs.
Will you still use STYROFOAM
during your meal?
Think twice or else...
Heating food in a microwave oven on Styrofoam plates can cause the material to melt and break down, releasing chemical gases that contaminate the food. Heating foods with a high fat content accelerates this process. Even if the food is arranged on a paper napkin on top of a Styrofoam plate, chemicals can still migrate from the packaging to the food, as direct contact is not necessary. Using a low temperature to prevent the material from overheating risks bacterial growth and potential food poisoning, as certain levels of heat are required to kill bacteria.
Styrene
Styrene is a component of Styrofoam. According to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to styrene affects the central nervous system, causing fatigue, headaches, confusion, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and the sensation of intoxication. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a potential human carcinogen. When food is heated or cooked on Styrofoam, the toxins from styrene may be released into the food.
Benzene
Benzene is another component of Styrofoam that can leak into food when it is heated. Consuming high levels of benzene can cause vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, and in extreme cases, death. Benzene is a natural component of gasoline, cigarette smoke and crude oil. It is used to make dyes, detergents, pesticides, lubricants, rubbers, resins, plastic, nylon, synthetic fibers and drugs.
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