Styrofoam is harmful in may ways from the way it is made, to how it is used, to how it is thrown away. Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, the main component of polystyrene is styrene, which according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, styrene is a possible carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer. This has other issues for people that make Styrofoam, they have been know to have kidney and liver problems along with respiratory issues. People who eat and drink out of Styrofoam can also get a dose of the chemical styrene.

Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) is not biodegradable.