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polysterene foam articles are un-hygienic

polysterene foam articles are un-hygienic
Published by: jane 2009-01-07

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File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTMLUnhygienic? • Likelihood of contamination by radio. opaque sub-. stances? Positioning aids—selection of foam. pads, sand bag & polystyrene block
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are the articles (trays,plates,cups and lunch boxes etc.) made out of foam polysterene are harmfull and un-hygienic for food contact uses.if it is so what are the reasons and causes. please give me the detailed information about countries in the world where use of these articles are restricted or banned. thanks.

I AM WAITING FOR A REPLY. PLEASE DO THE NEEDFULL. THANKS

Thank you for requesting a clarification. I will look into this and get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Sorry to have kept you waiting, but I wanted to investigate your follow up question carefully before posting a response. From what I've researched, I found no mention of the effect of Butane gas when used as an EPS blowing agent. The only downside as far I can see, is that Butane is flammable and explosive, which means there is greater risk of fire breaking out, and companies who use Butane as a blowing agent would most likely have to invest in adequate ventilation systems and other required safety measures. I hope that's useful. jackburton-ga

Just a short comment: Some of those product bans have no bearing on the safety of the product. A number of years ago a number of communities banned this and similar materials because of trash problems. They were not easily collected and recycled, according to the prevailing theory. (Remember when McDonald's changed all their packaging to paper from those foamed plastic clamshells?)

thanks. is there any mention of effect of butane gas which is used as a blowing agent for manufacturing foam polysterene(eps) from polysterene polymer(hips).

Hello where4, There are concerns that polystyrene foam food and beverage containers may be harmful. Scientific studies have shown that people are exposed to a small amount of "styrene" from polystyrene packaging, yet the research conducted in Europe, the United States and Japan, claims to support the conclusion that it is safe to eat hot or cold foods packaged in polystyrene. From the "The Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe" (APME) website: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "What about the safety of polystyrene food packaging? The styrene industry takes the safety of its products very seriously. Recent, independent scientific studies show that polystyrene food and beverage containers, ranging from ice cream containers to yoghurt packaging to hot noodle cups, are safe for normal everyday use. Two different questions that have been raised in the past about the safety of polystyrene packaging are addressed below. Potential for exposure to styrene monomer Scientific studies have shown that the very small amount of styrene that people may be exposed to from packaging is about the same amount as comes from naturally-occurring styrene in foods. These studies have also shown that these levels of exposure are safe and should not be a cause for concern. Potential for exposure to oestrogenic substances Over the last few years, there have been misleading reports in the news that some components of polystyrene might migrate from food containers into the food during microwaving or heating, causing oestrogenic and potentially adverse health effects in consumers. So-called environmental oestrogens cover both natural and man-made substances in the environment that are said to act like oestrogens (hormones that occur naturally in both plants and animals). After the first studies suggesting the potential for oestrogenic effects were published, the industry conducted further research under the supervision of independent laboratories. Each of these studies simulated highly exaggerated exposure conditions in order to err on the side of safety. For example, the exposure level selected for one of the studies was equivalent to the exposure one might expect from a daily intake of yoghurt of 5,000 grams per person. The research, conducted in Europe, the United States and Japan, clearly supports the conclusion that it is safe to eat hot or cold foods packaged in polystyrene. These conclusions are consistent with the findings of the Ministry of Health in Japan, which recently said that there is no reason to regulate the use of polystyrene products in relation to potential concerns over environmental oestrogens. Summary In all industrialised countries, materials used in containers for food contact are subjected to rigorous testing. Health agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration or the European Food Safety Authority set tight industry standards with high safety factors that all packaging materials must meet in order to be used for food contact, including polystyrene. Thus, consumers can feel confident that polystyrene, and the other products they use under normal conditions are safe." http://www.apme.org/media/public_documents/20030417_104842/styrenic_FAQ_answers_09.htm or, ://www.google.com/search?q=cache:9bhqntmAXu4J:www.apme.org/media/public_documents/20030417_104842/styrenic_FAQ_answers_09.htm+%22The+research,+conducted+in+Europe,+the+United+States+and+Japan%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 From the "Polystyrene Packaging Council" (PSPC) website: -------------------------------------------------------- "The Polystyrene Packaging Council works closely with the Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC), whose mission is to collect, develop, analyze and communicate pertinent information on styrene. Since 1987, SIRC has undertaken a comprehensive research program to enhance understanding of styrene's potential to affect human health and the environment. Polystyrene meets stringent U.S. FDA standards for use in food contact packaging and is safe for consumers. Health organizations encourage the use of single-use food service products, including polystyrene, because they provide increased food safety. (8) All packaging (glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic - including polystyrene) contains substances that can "migrate," or transfer, to foods or beverages. The FDA regulates residual levels of these components in food packaging to ensure that packaging is safe to use." http://www.polystyrene.org/polystyrene_facts/facts.html From: EJnet.org: Web Resources for Environmental Justice Activists: ------------------------------------------------------------------- "Public Contamination Because polystyrene products are so common, many people assume they are safe, and that a government agency, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), would not allow a health- threatening product to be marketed to the public.[1] But the EPA National Human Adipose Tissue Survey for 1986 identified styrene residues in 100% of all samples of human fat tissue taken in 1982 in the US. Styrene is used to make polystyrene plastic and is a contaminant in all polystyrene foam packages.[2] But the migration of styrene is nothing new. It was first documented in 1972,[3] and then again in 1976.[4] A 1988 survey published by the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education also found styrene in human fatty tissue with a frequency of 100% at levels from 8 to 350 nanograms/gram (ng/g). The 350 ng/g level is one third of levels known to cause neurotoxic symptoms.[5] determined that Styrofoam drinking leach Styrofoam into the liquids they contain. The cups apparently lose weight during the time they are at use. The studies showed that tea with lemon produced the most marked change in the weight of the foam cup.[1] [..] Health Effects The fact that styrene can adversely affect humans in a number of ways raises serious public health and safety questions regarding its build-up in human tissue and the root cause of this build- up. According to a Foundation for Achievements in Science and Education fact sheet, long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping), hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic effects.[1,2] In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, reclassified styrene from a Groups 3 (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity) to a Group 2B substance (possibly carcinogenic to humans). Although there is evidence that styrene causes cancer in animals, it has not yet been proven to cause cancer in humans. Styrene primarily exhibits its toxicity to humans as a neurotoxin by attacking the central and peripheral nervous systems. The accumulation of these highly lipid-soluble (fat-soluble) materials in the lipid-rich tissues of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves is correlated with acute or chronic functional impairment of the nervous system. [3] For example, women exposed to low concentrations of styrene vapors in the workplace are known to have a variety of neurotoxic and menstrual problems. A Russian study of 110 women exposed to styrene vapors at levels about 5 mg/m3 demonstrated menstrual disorders, particularly perturbations of the menstrual cycle and a hypermenorrhea (unusually heavy flow of menses during the menstrual cycle) syndrome. Styrene- exposed women often suffered from metabolic disturbances occurring during pregnancy. [4] [..] Styrene Where? There are several reasons why styrene-based cups could be a source of contamination. First, the styrene monomer (vinyl benzene), a colorless or yellowish oily liquid, is the feedstock in the manufacture of polystyrene. Since the manufacturing process is not 100% efficient, polystyrene contains some residual styrene. Second, styrene is soluble in oil and ethanol [1,2,3,4] -- substances commonly found is foods and alcoholic beverages. For instance, red wine will instantly dissolve the monomer. A 1985 Cuban study noted migration of monomers from low and high density polyethylene into milk, yogurt, and alcohol solutions.[5] This means that ingestion can take place by using polystyrene cups to drink beer, wine, mixed drinks or perhaps even coffee with cream. Most interesting is the degradation of food that contains vitamin A (betacarotene). In packaged foods with the addition of heat (such as microwave temperatures), vitamin A will decompose and produce m-xylene, toluene, and 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene. Toluene will aggressively dissolve polystyrene. This renders polystyrene as an unsuitable package for containing or microwaving products that contain vitamin A.[6] [..] http://www.ejnet.org/plastics/polystyrene/health.html I also came across this interesting article on the "Green Guide" website. "Lucinda" asked the Green Guide how her son can convince the head of his school not to use styrofoam in the cafeteria, and if there is any information that can bolster her son's case. The Green Guide suggests these two resources: "Here are two excellent resources for more detailed health information about styrene: * www.ourstolenfuture.org/NewScience/oncompounds/styrene/2001ohyamaetal.htm * www.checnet.org/healthehouse/chemicals/chemicals-detail.asp?Main_ID=286 Another chemical, nonylphenol, has also been found to leach out of polystyrene plastic, although we don't know whether nonylphenol is in foamed polystyrene (styrofoam). Nonylphenol is another suspected hormone disruptor. More information can be found at www.ourstolenfuture.org." You can read the whole article here: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc.mhtml?i=ask&s=styrofoam On the "Polystyrene News" site, I discovered polystyrene has been banned in the following places: In Canada --------- City of Berkeley - Section 11.60.030 Prohibited food packaging (polystyrene foam). http://www.mindfully.org/Berkeley/Polystyrene-Foam-Packaging.htm In China -------- Chengdu Bans Polyfoam Food Utensils. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps004.html * China Bans Polyfoam Utensils. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps003.html In Korea -------- * Korean Government Bans Polystyrene. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps012.html (115Kb) * PVC Products to be banned in 2004. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps013.html * Plastic Products banned. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/ps014.html In Portland ----------- * City Council - Title 9 Food Regulations And Establishments - Chapter 9.28 Ban Of Polystyrene Foam Food Containers. http://www.bpcnet.com/cgi-bin/hilite.pl/codes/portland/_DATA/TITLE09/Chapter_9_28_BAN_OF_POLYSTYRENE_FO/index.html - Polystyrene Foam Food Container Ban. http://www.sustainableportland.org/recycle_com_styr.html In Taiwan --------- * The Taiwan Government has banned ALL Plastic and Polystyrene tableware / containers since 1st Jan 2003. - Was it due to environmental issues? http://www.epa.gov.tw/bag/promotion/U0619.htm - (Chinese article) - Was it due to health issues? http://www.polystyrenenews.com/polystyrene/001/ps001.html - (Chinese artilce) * Taiwan Bans Polystyrene. http://www.spacedaily.com/news/021001060955.ccz13t6t.html http://www.epa.gov.tw/bag/bagpic/U09302.htm - (Chinese article) * Ministry of Environment, Taiwan, BANS the use of Plastic and Foam Containers. http://www.polystyrenenews.com/plasticbags/001/pb001.html - (Chinese article) In Washington * City of Port Townsend - Municipal ordinances prohibits the use of Polystyrene Foam Containers for food packaging (Ordinance 2147). http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/ORDINANC.NSF/cc301f7d3cafef15852563b80064e070/e15ac3f4c6558dab85256413007d11dd?OpenDocument [ Source page: http://www.polystyrenenews.com/ ] Here are some other links that you may find of interest: Arguments against polystyrene food products http://www.verdant.net/nofoam.htm Top 10 Reasons to Stop Using Polystyrene http://www.bios.niu.edu/cpw/styrene.html "The Styrene Forum" has been developed as an international resource for current, accurate information on styrene and products made from styrene. http://www.styreneforum.org/ I hope this information is useful to you. If anything is unclear, please request a clarification, and I will try to assist further if I can. Regards, jackburton-ga ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Google Search: polysterene danger OR harmful food Disposables versus Reusables: A Study of Comparative Sanitary Quality" polystyrene migrate substances polystyrene migrate substances countries polystyrene migrate banned polystyrene illegal country OR countries "Polystyrene Foam Association" "polystyrene foam" "polystyrene foam" banned OR restricted