The run-down:  Polystyrene is damaging for not only the environment, but also those consuming foods that have contacted the material.  Other safer options are available for use, and we as students wish for our safety, that these alternatives be explored.        

                   Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is made up of the toxic substances Styrene and Benzene. Both Styrene and Benzene are neurotoxins and carcinogens that are harmful to humans. According to a fact sheet from the Foundation for Achievements in Science and Education (FASE), long term exposure to small quantities of Styrene can cause neurotoxic symptoms, such as fatigue, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping; hematological symptoms, such as low blood platelet and hemoglobin counts; and cytogenic symptoms, such as chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities. It can also act as a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in certain cases. While evidence of cancer caused by Styrofoam products has only been found in animals thus far, Styrene has been known to cause neurotoxin attack to the human central and peripheral nervous systems. A direct statement from the previously mentioned FASE article reads as follows:

 “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. 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 hyper-menorrhea (usually heavy flow of menses during the menstrual cycle) syndrome. Styrene-exposed women often suffered metabolic disturbances occurring during pregnancy.”

        In addition to having harmful effects on humans Polystyrene is incredibly dangerous to the environment itself. Styrofoam does not decompose on its own. That means every seemingly innocent Styrofoam cup or plate adds to the millions already in landfills around the world that will never go away. With each Polystyrene product produced, we add to the increasing amount of toxins that are released into our environment and will continue to be for generations to come. When Styrofoam products don’t make it into landfills, it often finds its way into the habitat of animals, which often mistake it for food. Just like in humans, this can cause cancer and other diseases which destroy populations, which can lead to disruption of entire ecosystems. Like all plastic products, Styrofoam is derived from crude oil, the harvesting of which releases greenhouse gases and carcinogens into the atmosphere, which could be contributing to global climate change. Since Polystyrene is generally a single-use product, its production requires large amounts of crude oil (a non-renewable resource) to be used in its production. In a nutshell, more Styrofoam equals more oil being harvested and wasted, which leads to more pollutants in our air, water supply, and landfills.

            This begs the question: How are we as average students being exposed to these harmful substances? Almost everyone has used Styrofoam products at one point in their life. The main source of harmful exposure is caused when hot food or drinks are come into contact with polystyrene. This is because the heat causes the breakdown of polystyrene into its components, causing the Styrene to leak into the food or drink when components such as alcohol, oils, or acids allow the toxins to enter and be absorbed into the tissues and bloodstream. In fact, some of the most common beverages can be the most harmful when served in Styrofoam. Tea with lemon, coffee, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided if they come into contact with a Styrofoam product. In addition, humans can come into contact with toxins if food is microwaved in a polystyrene container.

            Examples of this harmful property of Styrofoam are rampant throughout our own school district. Any instance in which hot lunch is served directly on a Styrofoam plate can cause polystyrene degradation. Styrofoam cups can be eroded by common fruit juices due to their acidity. Children in our district are exposed to these toxins every day, and we do not believe it is fair that they could be exposed to possible causes of serious health problems without their knowledge or consent.

            Students have the right to be safe in our school environment and not to fear contamination from the food that we eat. We should not have to be responsible effects caused to animals and the environment because we are forced to eat from these Styrofoam trays, plates, and cups that will never decompose. In the interest not only the present and future safety of students but also of the planet we call home, we ask that you seriously consider banning single-use polystyrene products in our school district.