Styrofoam - Bad to the Bone
Most people know the name Styrofoam, which is actually the trade name of a polystyrene foam product used for housing insulation. Polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic made from the styrene monomer, is a light-weight material, about 95% air, with very good insulation properties. It is used in all types of products from cups that keep your beverages hot or cold to packaging material that keep your computers safe during shipping.
Why Should We Care?
The biggest environmental health concern associated with polystyrene is the danger associated with styrene, the basic building block of polystyrene. Styrene is used extensively in the manufacture of plastics, rubber, and resins, and is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The 90,000 workers who make boats, tubs and showers, for example, are potentially exposed to styrene.
Acute health effects from exposure to styrene include:
- irritation of the skin
- irritation of the eyes
- upper respiratory tract disturbances
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
Chronic, lasting effects from exposure to styrene include:
- central nervous system disturbances
- depression
- headache
- fatigue
- weakness
- reduced kidney function
- effects on blood
Along with health impacts there are many environmental factors associated with Styrofoam. Styrofoam is made from non-renewable petroleum products which release CO2 and other greenhouses gases into our atmosphere. Like plastic, Styrofoam does not biodegrade in the environment. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces that will stay in our ecosystems forever.
What Are The Alternatives?
Many alternatives to Styrofoam are available. A number of restaurants are switching Styrofoam-based products for plant-based biodegradable take-out containers, utensils, cups, and plates. Make use of reusable mugs instead of Styrofoam coffee cups for your hot beverages. Use popcorn, which is inexpensive and 100 percent biodegradable to pad and protect your packages instead of Styrofoam peanuts.
What Others Are Doing
Many places in America and around the world are taking steps to stop harms caused by Styrofoam. Portland, Oregon and Orange County, California have both banned Styrofoam. Other countries such as the Philippines, Taiwan and France also have cities that ban the use of Styrofoam containers.
What You Can Do To Make A Difference
There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce Styrofoam use and waste. Purchase a reusable mug for your coffee, tea and other hot beverages and bring it with you when you get coffee at your local coffee shop. You can also encourage local restaurants and businesses to stop using Styrofoam cups and plates and switch to plant-based biodegradable ones instead.
http://ringwoodfreecycle.com/2011/06/25/pop-corn-the-biodegradable-alternative-to-styrofoam/
http://www.greenhome.com/info/news/41.shtml
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