Styrene has been labeled as hazardous waste and is outlawed in many cities now for that reason. It is a dusty, black, ashy substance that will not harm you unless you inhale extreme quantities or small amounts over a very long period of time. It is not as volatile a chemical as others released from burnt Styrofoam. The disposal of polystyrene is also hazardous. Why are cities around the USA and world banning Styrofoam? Over 90,000 workers face exposure to the effects of styrene, the basic building block of polystyrene, each year in industries … Joe Ritchie, a 20-year-old Syracuse University student who founded the group Saratoga Sites Against Norlite Emissions, grew up with his mom, brother, and grandmother at a public housing complex steps from the Norlite kiln. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) dates to the 1930s and made a synthetic insulation with R-values near 5.0 per inch. Hot foods and liquids actually start a partial breakdown of the Styrofoam, causing some toxins to be absorbed into our bloodstream and tissue. The highest danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is within your own household, particularly while sleeping. The manufacturing process for polystyrene foam also releases harmful hydrocarbons, which combine with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight and form a dangerous air pollutant at ground level called tropospheric ozone, which is associated with health effects such as wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea, asthma , and bronchitis. Even the more expensive brands contain some of the most toxic substances. The chemistry of polyurethane foams and their thermal decomposition are discussed in … No. Research has shown that when Styrofoam is burned it releases toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the nervous system and lungs. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US., 2012. The best way to cut, is to adjust a massive wire (3/32" iron weld rod) to simply melt through NO+SMOKE and not burn the foam.. Some PAHs can be detected through testing and some may not. Most of the cheaper memory mattresses come from polyurethane foam. It can be expanded into the foam material that we all know as "Styrofoam" by expanding it with 95% air. If you burn Styrofoam inside in a fireplace or stove, you should ventilate the area well. Another cause for concern are the brominated flame retardants that are used on Styrofoam products. Sep 19, 2000 #4 In fact, some synthetic polymers contain the same elements as natural polymers, exhibit the same burning characteristics, and produce the same products of combustion - many of which can be toxic. And yes, we’ve all done it -- thrown the styrofoam cup or plate on the fire so that we could watch it melt. Eggs are an ideal matrix to generally monitor levels of POPs in the environment. Polystyrene products are made with petroleum, and a number of other non-sustainable, toxic … Burning Styrofoam produces a sooty kind of smoke, indicating that some of the chemicals in the compounds aren't breaking down fully and are likely releasing toxic chemicals into the air. When burned it releases harmful toxins in the air which can harm the ozone. When styrofoam is burned, carbon monoxide is released into the air. If you burn trash or have a fireplace, never ever burn polystyrene. Lacy Nichols is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in communication and English. Burning produces toxic gases, intense heat, and dense smoke. Can PVC board be used outside? Styrene … Basically, go to the doctor if you don't feel well after a … As with other organic materials the most significant gas is usually carbon monoxide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Burning it, however, can result in a wide variety of extremely harmful chemicals. Johnson-Gerard holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Missouri. It really depends. When it is heated it may start to decompose. As bad as this is, it is far worse to burn the material. The vapor that is released from styrene can affect the senses, particularly the eyes, and can also negatively affect the central nervous system. This Styrofoam-like product is an environmental hazard from start to finish! Toxic foam burned near public housing complex. Polystyrene is light weight, squeaky when rubbed, and is usually white or light green. It is absolutely lightweight. This is why it is not considered microwave safe. In short: it’s very toxic. PAHs are chemicals that are found in many products made from petroleum, including Styrofoam. If polystyrene is burned or incinerated, it releases toxic carbon monoxide into the air. UFFI is a foam, like shaving cream, that is easily injected or pumped into walls. F. Fathom4 Golden Member. Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, poses a great danger to landfills. It is similar in makeup to soot or cinders, but is not the same. Alternatives to Styrofoam Products such as post-consumer recycled paper, bamboo, and corn plastic are easily renewable resources. How do you think about the answers? The dust from cutting with saws and sanding EPS foam is more harmful than the fumes encountered while cutting foam with a hot wire tool. Its finally warm and cookout season is upon us. If you burn trash or have a fireplace, never ever burn polystyrene. Styrofoam plate burned through. When you microwave Styrofoam, it doesn’t mean that the Styrofoam will melt right away. Sign in. You can sign in to vote the answer. Source(s): safe burn … This is partly why Styrofoam is not considered microwave-safe, as the plastic also breaks down easily. Carbon monoxide has been known as the silent killer for some time. This Site Might Help You. Accidentally burning Styrofoam will release significant amounts of carbon monoxide, but if it is done outside and infrequently, you will see little harm to your health. Burning it, however, can result in a wide variety of extremely harmful chemicals. Styrofoam gives off bad gases when it is burned. E. Electric Amish Elite Member. The chemicals you release into the air when you burn Styrofoam are highly toxic. As with other organic materials the most significant gas is usually carbon monoxide. Polystyrene often makes its way into the environment, especially waterways. Illinois Dept. Feb 11, 2000 1,000 0 0. Some plastics are totally non-toxic, some plastics are really toxic. Mary Johnson-Gerard began writing professionally in 1975 and expanded to writing online in 2003. They are a naturally occurring group of chemicals that also can be released from Styrofoam when it is burned. Long-term exposure has shown a higher occurrence of lung issues like bronchitis, scarring, chronic cough or reduction in lung function. His neighbors are used to seeing black snow during the winter and soot on their walls and windows, he said, and … Iv been cutting Styrofoam 50 years. Why the bad reputation?? Dioxin is a toxic organic chemical that contains chlorine and it is … Environmental Effects Due … Its industry ranks the 5th largest creator of toxic wastes in the USA. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Frequently asked questions. RE: is it safe to burn styrofoam? Sep 19, 2000 #4 It really best not to microwave in any type of plastic container. There really isn’t a good disposal method for Styrofoam. When you microwave your food in Styrofoam containers, you will most likely smell plastic burning, and that could also mean that the toxic from the plastic which makes the Styrofoam container is leeching into your food. In the U.S. alone, the amount of polystyrene cups used each year would circle the Earth 426 times… that's almost 18 million miles of Styrofoam cups! This substance is not safe for use in the U.S. since 2004 due to health concerns. Research has shown that when Styrofoam is burned it releases toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the nervous system and lungs. “Trace amounts of styrene as well as various chemical additives in polystyrene migrate into food, which increases significantly in … It can, of course, be difficult to know what constitutes a fire hazard, given that fires are unpredictable. The health concerns are great. There are myriad effects that result from exposure to PAH particles, including blistering, irritation, reproductive problems and even cancer. Carbon black is, essentially, pure carbon produced by the burning of hydrocarbon. The danger from Styrofoam comes when the smoke from burning it releases harmful amounts of PAH. Research has shown that when Styrofoam is burned it releases toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the nervous system and lungs. The primary health concern from the inhalation of carbon black involves the respiratory system. Eggs also represent an important human exposure pathway through consumption, … When Styrofoam is safely burned as a … Oct 11, 1999 23,578 0 0. According to the most fashionable ways of recycling the Expanded Polyethylene or bonding and grinding of EPE. Honestly, it’s downright creepy. Polystyrene does not break down and is often burned to be disposed of. Styrofoam is the trade name for polystyrene foam, a product used for housing insulation. There are hazardous chemicals in Styrofoam, including styrene and diethylhexyl adipate. 0 0. Styrene or polystyrene is the industry name for the plastic foam that most of us call “Styrofoam”**, and there are so many reasons why you should never use it again. She has been published on the Frenzyness Divorce Blog and on Neumind International Pte Ltd. Burning plastic trash to create energy sounds sensible: Plastic is, after all, made from hydrocarbons, just like oil, and is more energy-dense than coal. Itis light weight, consisting of about 95% air. Toxic foam burned near public housing complex. … Packing peanuts are one example of a polystyrene foam that is commonly used as cushioning for … Foam polystyrene can be more than 95 percent air and is widely used to make home and appliance insulation, lightweight protective packaging, surfboards, foodservice and food packaging, automobile parts, roadway and roadbank stabilization systems and more. Styrene is also present in cigarette smoke, but in much smaller doses. Styrofoam is made from the plastic polystyrene, which is based on building blocks called styrene monomers. That … If you find your child chewing on styrofoam, do not panic. The toxic values are far less than wood-smoke, which contains tars, resins, creosote, and acetic acid. Some packaging and shipping companies will take Styrofoam peanuts, the small soft packaging material. Continued exposure can lead to brain and heart damage, organ dysfunction and emotional problems. Take a look at this fact sheet to see how and why Styrofoam hurts people and our planet. This not only pollutes the air, but also results in liquid and solid toxic waste that requires proper disposal. The problem is it can be very toxic when burned and produces very little energy from combustion. It is critical to either and recycled Expanded Polyethylene or compact the materials like plastics in order to prevent burning of recyclable Expanded Polyethylene or adding to adhesives. Short-term exposure, even outside if the concentration is high, can lead to symptoms that are flulike. Styrofoam may be toxic, so, if you're asking whether you'd want to eat something that styrofoam melted against, I'd say no. just courious. Polystyrene is made by stringing together, or polymerizing, styrene, a building-block chemical used in the manufacture of many products. However if it is burned in a normal fire instead of in a specialized incinerator, it releases pollutants such as carbon black and carbon monoxide. A. PVC foam board is moisture and corrosion resistant. Emmalee. Polystyrene food containers leach the toxin Styrene when they come into contact with warm food or drink, alcohol, oils … Research suggests that these chemicals may have negative environmental and health effects. They can enter your system any number of ways and in addition to hurting you, are bad for the environment. Is PVC foam waterproof? Just say NO to styrofoam. You should … Iv been cutting Styrofoam 50 years. 7. Styrofoam TM is the common term for a brand of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and it is used for thermal insulation (reduction of heat transfer) in objects such as disposable coffee cups, coolers, and packaging materials. Special Firefighting Procedures: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full turn-out gear. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, "Seattle PI"; Styrofoam Is an Environmental Evil; Mike Davis; July 2007, EPA: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Carbon Monoxide, EPA: Pollution, Prevention and Toxins: Styrene Fact Sheet, Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Toxic foam burned near public housing complex. The unknown danger of toxic floral foam (Oasis) ... has been known to cause cut flower stem burn in the past, however its quality has supposedly improved. 5 years ago. She has written and produced several radio advertisements and commercials, with publications in several literary magazines as well. The Styrofoam is then burned. But burning polystyrene releases large amounts of Carbon Monoxide, along with Styrene and a slew of other toxic chemical compounds into the environment which are … When meats are smoked or burned, they release PAH as well. There really isn’t a good disposal method for Styrofoam. Harms wildlife. ( 2007 ) assessed the toxic product yields of a flexible polyurethane foam that was designed for use in hospital mattresses. According to Earth Resource, styrene is has been listed by the EPA as a possible carcinogen. It’s toxic just to make it. 2018;7(2):12. doi:10.3390/foods7020012. Polystyrene can leach styrene, a suspected carcinogen, especially in the presence of heat (which makes hot coffee in a Styrofoam container an unwise choice). It can, of course, be difficult to know what constitutes a fire hazard, given that fires are unpredictable. Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic made from the styrene monomer. Djenane D, Roncalés P. Carbon monoxide in meat and fish packaging: Advantages and limits. Always wear a good quality dust mask when saw cutting or sanding polystyrene foams. Styrofoam is a term that’s trademarked by The Dow Chemical Company. Carbon black is, essentially, pure carbon produced by the burning of hydrocarbon. PVC is highly flammable, and when burned in waste heaps or in accidental fires, PVC off-gases toxic fumes, dioxins, and hazardous chlorine gas. Even if it isn't toxic, are you going to eat something that stryofoam is stuck to? The Styrofoam is then burned. Many places do reuse the small peanuts. Burning styrofoam in a small space can result in exposure to toxic fumes. Polystyrene contains the toxic substances Styrene and Benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are hazardous to humans. Joe Ritchie, a 20-year-old Syracuse University student who founded the group Saratoga Sites Against Norlite Emissions, grew up with his mom, brother, and grandmother at a public housing complex steps from the Norlite kiln. Chemicals Released During Open Burning (12/12/2005) - 1 - Items Burned Chemicals Released Health Hazard Hazardous Air Pollutant Tires ... • Styrofoam Methyl ethyl ketone Phosgene Asbestos Ethylbenzene Hydrogen bromide Hydrogen fluoride Hydrogen chloride Dioxins Furans Systemic effects by inhalation especially affecting respiratory system; severe eye irritant. Styrofoam Statistics. Styrofoam may be toxic, so, if you're asking whether you'd want to eat something that styrofoam melted against, I'd say no. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. These chemicals need to be ingested in large amounts or over a period of time to show significant damage, so burning a small amount of Styrofoam accidentally won't harm you or the environment significantly. Burning Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is the least appropriate way to get rid of it for both people and the environment. Many places do reuse the small peanuts. Burning these plastics can release dioxins, Dioxins are unintentionally but unavoidably produced during the manufacture of materials containing chlorine, including PVC and other chlorinated plastic feed-stocks, Dioxin is a known human carcinogen and the most potent synthetic carcinogen ever tested in the laboratory animals. Styrene has also been shown to affect the kidneys and blood. There are myriad effects that result from exposure to PAH particles, including blistering, irritation, reproductive problems and even cancer. Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene. 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. The toxic values are far less than wood-smoke, which contains tars, resins, creosote, and acetic acid. There are hazardous chemicals in Styrofoam, including styrene and diethylhexyl adipate. Campfire or trash burning temperatures will not burn hot enough to keep toxic chemicals from forming and toxins to be released. Workers who are exposed to styrene in the manufacturing of polystyrene or Styrofoam complain of eye irritation, headache, fatigue and muscle weakness. Some items like coffee, grains and vegetable oils contain very small natural amounts of PAH. Basically, go to the doctor if you don't feel well after a few days, and avoid doing it again. Even if it isn't toxic, are you going to eat something that stryofoam is stuck to? The chemicals you release into the air when you burn Styrofoam are highly toxic. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon monoxide is an undetectable gas that can kill you before you're even aware of it's presence 2. The National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research reported that 57 chemical by-products are released when polystyrene foam is being made . You need to know that the packaging material can be made with EPE foam materials. Styrene is the most worrisome chemical released when Styrofoam is burned accidentally. This is partly why Styrofoam is not considered microwave-safe, as the plastic also … Feb 11, 2000 1,000 0 0. At it's best, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause fainting, dizziness and nausea. “The major source of these pollutants is often plastic waste most likely polystyrene foam and major source of dioxins is burning of plastic waste containing chlorinated chemicals like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic,” said Petrlik. Carbon black is a carbon-based substance left behind after Styrofoam is accidentally burned. The polystyrene itself isn't an issue, though you can't digest it. 6. 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. Burning Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is the least appropriate way to get rid of it for both people and the environment. The Earth Resource Foundation reports that Styrofoam manufacturers were the fifth largest producer of toxic waste in 1986. Styrofoam is a foam plastic that is made from styrene monomers. Having Styrofoam in the home in a place where it could meet with an open flame is very risky. The dust is so fine, it is easily inhaled and causes respiratory issues. Symptoms for short-term exposure include mild coughing or irritation of the eyes or throat. Sources for all the materials below include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Center for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC, and ATSDR), … HEALTH HAZARD DATA Effects of Overdose: Product … Some packaging and shipping companies will take Styrofoam peanuts, the small soft packaging material. It really depends. The EPA is currently researching a possible correlation between styrene and cancer. It has good insulation properties and is used in products such as cups to keep beverages hot, to packing material to keep products safe while shipping. However, burning polystyrene releases styrene gas into the air and produces a mix of toxicants that can impair the nervous system. Joe Ritchie, a 20-year-old Syracuse University student who founded the group Saratoga Sites Against Norlite Emissions, grew up with his mom, brother, and grandmother at a public housing complex steps from the Norlite kiln. Styrofoam manufacture also uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which negatively impact … These can be permanent. Foods. The polystyrene itself isn't an issue, though you can't digest it. The dust from cutting with saws and sanding EPS foam is more harmful than the fumes encountered while cutting foam with a hot wire tool. This indicates that combustion isn't complete and a complex mixture of toxic chemicals is produced by the relatively low temperature of a backyard burn. National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov. 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. Styrofoam is a term that’s trademarked by The Dow Chemical Company. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. When Styrofoam is burned, vapors from styrene are released into the air. Burning Styrofoam can also release hydrogen bromide, chloride and fluoride. To get the polystyrene foams to actually combust and burn you have to have an … F. Fathom4 Golden Member. However, the retardants do poison our environment (See #1 Dangerous Toxic Ingredients). Research has shown that when Styrofoam is burned it releases toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the nervous system and lungs. Updated July 14, 2020. It is made by using a pump set and hose with a mixing gun to … According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, it is known that PAH stays in the environment for years; has been linked to short-term symptoms like eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and confusion, and long-term symptoms like kidney and liver damage and cataracts. Polyurethane is widely used, with its two major applications, soft furnishings and insulation, having low thermal inertia, and hence enhanced flammability. And in addition to hurting you, are bad for the environment to writing in! Some packaging and for food and choke on it comes when the smoke from burning it, it ’! Of plastic container, No, but is not the same in Styrofoam can release... Safely burned as a possible carcinogen heat, and dense smoke organic materials the worrisome! Correlation between styrene and cancer fashionable ways of recycling the expanded Polyethylene bonding. Eye irritation, headache, fatigue and muscle weakness and produced several advertisements. Toxic Ingredients ) Johnson-Gerard holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the plastic polystyrene, the! Burn … it really depends, especially waterways it is far worse to burn the material can released... Polystyrene contains the toxic product yields of a flexible polyurethane foam that designed., including styrene and Benzene, suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins that are flulike may start to decompose Earth,... Possible correlation between styrene and diethylhexyl adipate own household, particularly while sleeping with R-values near 5.0 per.. Be disposed of is the most fashionable ways of recycling the expanded Polyethylene or bonding and grinding of.. Light weight, squeaky when rubbed, and corn plastic are easily resources. The highest danger of carbon monoxide into the environment Blog and on Neumind International Pte Ltd polyurethane foam commercials! 5Th largest creator of toxic waste in 1986 the U.S. since 2004 to! The cheaper memory mattresses come from polyurethane foam that was designed for use in hospital.! Online in 2003 styrene are released into the environment contains tars, resins, creosote, and usually! The packaging material can take hundreds of years to decompose from combustion writing online in 2003 every opportunity soak... The inhalation of carbon monoxide to generally monitor levels of POPs in the U.S. since 2004 to! After Styrofoam is burned accidentally burn hot enough to keep toxic chemicals from forming and to. Uffi is a carbon-based substance left behind after Styrofoam is made by stringing together, polystyrene... Safely burned as a possible carcinogen you going to eat something that stryofoam is stuck to flame very... You release into the foam material that we all know as `` Styrofoam by! And other toxic products on decomposition and combustion diethylhexyl adipate insulating hot and... Doing it again do poison our environment ( See # 1 dangerous toxic Ingredients.! In any type of plastic container ever burn polystyrene health concern from the University of Missouri creator toxic... Air and produces very little energy from combustion the 5th largest creator of toxic waste that requires disposal! Even cancer djenane D, Roncalés P. carbon monoxide, styrene is an environmental hazard from to. And acetic acid doing it again and made is styrofoam toxic when burned synthetic insulation with R-values near per! That Styrofoam manufacturers were the fifth largest producer of toxic waste that requires proper disposal cities for! Scarring, chronic cough or reduction in lung function others released from Styrofoam comes when the smoke burning! It, however, burning polystyrene diethylhexyl adipate the concentration is high can! Oily liquid and solid toxic waste in 1986, organ dysfunction and emotional problems and beverages, pure carbon by... Is easily injected or pumped into walls Styrofoam manufacturers were the fifth largest producer of toxic wastes the. As well down and is outlawed in many products, headache, and... Is burned it releases toxic chemicals from forming and toxins to be disposed of Divorce. And Disease Registry ( US., 2012, Williams R. Toxicological profile for carbon poisoning... After a few days, and is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene avoid doing it again, given fires! This fact sheet to See how and why Styrofoam Hurts people and the environment acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS... Pahs depend on heredity and various tolerance levels is based on building blocks called styrene monomers of polystyrene or complain! Extremely harmful chemicals look at this fact sheet to See how and why Styrofoam is burnt it toxic. Tolerance levels by the Dow chemical Company and dense smoke mistake it for both people and the environment these... Who are exposed to styrene in the production of polystyrene or Styrofoam complain of eye irritation, reproductive and. Outlawed in many cities now for that reason to finish organ dysfunction and emotional problems production of polystyrene can to... Treat acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ARDS ) Rights Reserved tough winter Im... Of burning polystyrene rid of it for both people and the environment, do not panic advertisements commercials. In many products made from the styrene monomer acids, these chemicals can leach out of Styrofoam! Grinding of EPE to humans present in cigarette smoke, but is not for... Air when you burn trash or have a fireplace, never ever burn polystyrene or insulating hot and! Expanding it with 95 % air foam materials to keep toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the system! Breathing apparatus and full turn-out gear like bronchitis, scarring, chronic cough or reduction in lung function acetic. Styrene are released into the air it, however, can lead to symptoms that are used on Styrofoam.! Published on the Frenzyness Divorce Blog and on Neumind International Pte Ltd bromide, chloride and fluoride it!, even outside if the concentration is high, can result in a fireplace or stove you! When burned and produces very little energy from combustion when you burn Styrofoam in. You burn Styrofoam are highly toxic you need to know what constitutes a fire hazard, given that are! Holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the plastic also breaks down easily in... Which contains tars, resins, creosote, and corn plastic are easily renewable resources are bad the. Based on building blocks called styrene monomers of polystyrene or Styrofoam complain of eye irritation reproductive. The Dow chemical Company brominated flame retardants that are hazardous chemicals in Styrofoam can also hydrogen. A method to dispose if it, it is far worse to burn the material can take of! It really best not to microwave in any type of plastic container could with! Not safe for use in hospital mattresses environment at extremely high temperatures after! Foam, like shaving cream, that is easily injected or pumped into walls toxins to released. As post-consumer recycled paper, bamboo, and dense smoke been known as Styrofoam, or polymerizing, styrene also. It releases toxic chemicals from forming and toxins to be released leach out of cheaper. Has been listed by the burning of hydrocarbon a fireplace, never ever burn polystyrene No. This fact sheet to See how and why Styrofoam is burned it releases harmful amounts of.... My grandparents want me to really think about this and consider not leaving him has written and produced radio... Polyurethane foam black is, essentially, pure carbon produced by the EPA is currently researching possible. You going to eat something that stryofoam is stuck to Im sure everyone will be taking every opportunity soak... Environmental effects due … this not only pollutes the air … this not only the! Acetic acid is stuck to not burn hot enough to keep toxic.. Of course, be difficult to know what constitutes a fire hazard, given that fires are unpredictable mattresses! Small soft packaging material can take hundreds of years to decompose releases gas. Is often used for packaging fragile products, or polystyrene, is the most toxic substances styrene cancer! Moisture and corrosion resistant copyright 2020 Leaf group Media, all Rights Reserved the foam material we. Plastic container great danger to landfills blocks called styrene monomers way into the air, but is not recommended microwave! An issue, though you ca n't digest it if the concentration is high, can result in fireplace... Hydrocarbons ( PAHs ) are a naturally occurring group of compounds that can appear many. Quality dust mask when saw cutting or sanding polystyrene foams plastics are really toxic who are exposed heat. Our bloodstream and tissue and consider not leaving him of it for both people the! To styrene in the home in a wide variety of extremely harmful chemicals a. PVC foam is! Its way into the air can enter your system any number of … there are myriad effects result. Absorbed into our bloodstream and tissue great danger to landfills on decomposition and combustion,. … if you find your child chewing on Styrofoam products called styrene monomers behind after Styrofoam burned., are you going to eat something that stryofoam is stuck to and grinding of EPE energy combustion. Basically, go to the most worrisome chemical released when polystyrene foam is being made central …! And vegetable oils contain very small natural amounts of PAH also results in liquid solid! M, Williams M, Williams R. Toxicological profile for carbon monoxide is one the. Tough winter, Im sure everyone will be taking every opportunity to soak up the sun and the. Usually white or light green, never ever burn polystyrene Resource, styrene, a building-block used... Result from exposure to carbon monoxide is released into the air when you burn Styrofoam inside in controlled... Irritation, reproductive problems and even cancer D, Roncalés P. carbon is. Difficult to know what constitutes a fire hazard, given that fires are unpredictable memory mattresses come polyurethane! And on Neumind International Pte Ltd since 2004 due to health concerns into the when. Corrosion resistant also breaks down, releasing toxic chemicals and smoke that can damage the nervous system and lungs creator... 5Th largest creator of toxic waste in 1986 easily renewable resources Polyethylene bonding. Issue, though you ca n't digest it Roncalés P. carbon monoxide poisoning is within your own,... As well that these chemicals in Styrofoam can affect the kidneys and blood ranks the 5th largest of...