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The Pros and Cons of StyrofoamStyrofoam By Any Other Name...

We know it as Styrofoam, but its technicalname is “foamed polystyrene”. However, what-ever name it goes by, foamed polystyrene hasbeen hailed by some as a technological marveland by others as an environmental menace.

What is the truth behind this everydayproduct, used for so much of our packaging? Aswith most things, the issue is not always clearcut.

How it’s Created, Where it’s UsedPolystyrene is made from styrene, which

can be found in naturally occurring substances.Synthetic styrene, on the other hand, is madefrom petroleum byproducts. Polystyrene is usedin auto parts, computer housings, boats, andmany other products.

In the early 1940s, it took an accidentaldiscovery to create a variant of polystyreneknown as foamed polystyrene. Ray McIntire ofthe Dow Chemical Company was looking for aflexible electrical insulator when he createdfoamed polystyrene, which is 30 times lighterthan regular polystyrene.

Blowing gases into heated polystyreneproduces foamed polystyrene. The result is aproduct that is over 95-percent air, making it apoor conductor of heat. This also makesfoamed polystyrene an effective and popularmaterial for such things as beverage cups andinsulation.

Until the 1990s, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)were used as a blowing agent in the manufac-turing process. However, because the break-down of CFC’s causes destruction of ozone inthe stratosphere, CFC’s are no longer used inthe manufacturing process.

BiodegradationFoamed polystyrene does not biodegrade

significantly, but it is also not a major part of thewaste stream. According to a U.S. Environmen-tal Protection Agency report, polystyrene foodservice packaging, which includes foamedpolystyrene, accounts for less than one-half ofone percent of municipal solid waste (byweight).

While some foamed polystyrene material isreused (packaging peanuts), most materialused for food or beverage containers are one-use materials. Recycling is technically possible,but it is not economically justifiable at this time.

Because almost all material in landfillsdegrades at an extremely slow rate, the fact thatfoamed polystyrene does not break down rapidlyis not a significant problem when it is disposedof in this manner. When the material becomeslitter, however, it does represent a significantenvironmental problem.

LeachingVery small amounts of styrene can leach out

of polystyrene products and into food, especiallyunder high heat. Therefore, avoid using foamedpolystyrene containers for heating food, espe-cially food high in vitamin A, which can add tothe leaching effect. This includes such food ascheese pizza, carrots, and instant oatmeal. Hotliquids, especially tea, may also cause some

leaching. Very high doses of styrene act as aneurotoxin.

The use of Styrofoam or other foamedpolystyrene products is a personal choice. Ifused properly, it is an economical, sanitaryproduct, with low environmental risks. However,used improperly, it can quickly become anunsightly environmental nuisance and does havepotential health risks.

Advantages of Using Foamed Polystyrene• Sanitary product for one-time food and beverage use• Low cost of purchase• Manufacturing process not necessarily more harmful than the process

for paper• Biodegradability not an issue in modern landfills

Disadvantages of Using Foamed Polystyrene• Non-biodegradable in the environment• Made from non-renewable petroleum products• Chronic, low-level exposure risks undetermined

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WriterDuane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator

Technical ReviewerRaymond D. Ronda, Illinois Waste Management & Research Center

EditorDoug Peterson, U of I Extension communications specialist

Land & Water CoordinatorMichael C. Hirschi, U of I Extension soil and water specialist

February 2005 • Number 7