Styrofoam is a popular modern day convenience, with many potential uses and potential problems. Here are some interesting facts that may help you when deciding whether to use Styrofoam or not.
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What Is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a type of polystyrene. It has a petroleum base, is very light and contains approximately 95 percent air.
Uses
Styrofoam is used to make packing materials, and convenience products such as cups, plates and bowls.
Health Concerns
Styrene, the main ingredient in Styrofoam, can cause health problems such as skin, eye and respiratory irritation, gastrointestinal problems and even problems with depression, kidney function and fatigue. There is even a link between Styrene and cancer.
Environmental Concerns
Styrofoam is not biodegradable, breaking up into tiny pieces rather than disintegrating. This causes problems for animals, the soil and the air.
Legality
Because of the threat of potential problems with Styrofoam, there are some places that have outlawed its use. Among them are Taiwan, Portland and Orange County, California.
Styrofoam usually refers to the two most prevalent forms of foamed polystyrene, a polymer. Manufacturers have found the material's properties very useful...
Harmful Styrofoam Effects. Styrofoam is a very versatile plastic polymer with excellent insulation properties that can be easily molded for different uses....
