Tag: Polystyrene

Studies have shown that heating plastic #6, known as polystyrene or Styrofoam, can cause the chemical styrene to leach into food. This makes its use for hot or oily foods a significant health concern, despite its common use in takeout containers.

Did you know that egg cartons are not all made from the same material? While some are made from recycled paper, others, including the clear and foam varieties, do in fact contain plastic. This is a crucial distinction for proper disposal and recycling practices.

Styrene is a naturally occurring chemical found in trace amounts in several foods, including cinnamon, coffee beans, and strawberries. However, it is also the primary building block for polystyrene plastics used in a vast array of food packaging. Understanding both the natural and synthetic origins is key to gaining a full picture of what foods contain styrene.