By now, most of us have heard of Styrofoam, also known as Polystyrene. It’s one of the most utilized polymers out there and is found in food containers, packaging, insulation, car parts, and electronics. It’s also one of the most widely known plastics in the world, but there are a few harmful side effects. Not many people are aware of how dangerous this non-biodegradable plastic can be.

Polystyrene (PS) is created by mixing ethylene and benzene in the presence of aluminum chloride. This creates Ethylbenzene, which, when dehydrogenated, becomes Styrofoam. This foam-like material, which is about 90-95% air, can be formed into many different shapes. There are also multiple variants of PS, depending on the amount of phenyl added, which can affect the texture and rigidity.

Polystyrene, as useful as it seemed, is a harmful substance, known to leak toxic chemicals. The foam-like structure can cause it to break into small pieces, which are easily carried away in the wind. Many of these end up in bodies of water, which can negatively impact the wildlife there, which commonly mistake them for food. Once swallowed, polystyrene is indigestible, which means that it will build up in their digestive systems. This eventually causes starvation and other serious health issues. Since it is non-biodegradable, it can stay in the ecosystem for thousands of years, longer than its own history. Polystyrene is also single-use and cannot be recycled. Why leak toxic chemicals into the environment just for takeout? It’s not worth it for a second of use when it can stay in this world for longer than your lifetime.

Polystyrene also has negative effects on our bodies. When used in food packaging, it is in direct contact with the product. This is especially harmful when it comes to produce, where fruit is often eaten without being rinsed. Still, despite washing to help reduce the amount of PS ingested, there will still be some left over. Polystyrene can leak dangerous chemicals, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory issues.

Some U.S. states have issued a ban on polystyrene in food packaging. While this helps protect us from direct exposure to the toxins through digestion, it can still be leaked into the environment and us alike. The FDA rules state that Polystyrene is safe to use in food packaging when under certain conditions. This does not rule out the fact that it is still toxic and cannot decompose or be recycled. Polystyrene was first commercialized in 1939 and has been popular ever since. It has not been around long enough to see if significant damage is done to anyone who has been exposed to it for extended periods of time, and the research done is inconclusive.

While PS is a threat to our environment, there are many ways that you can help reduce its spread. Supporting companies without the use of Polystyrene; washing fruits and vegetables before consumption; diving into the ways these polymers are formed; and advocating for a ban in your community are all ways to help. If polystyrene can last for thousands of years, so can the impacts of the changes we make today.