


The National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research identified 57 chemical byproducts released during the combustion of polystyrene foam.A 1986 EPA report on solid waste named the polystyrene manufacturing process as the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste.OSHA (US Dept of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration) This program would reduce styrene exposures to a 50 ppm TWA with a 100 ppm (15 minute) ceiling. The US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration unsuccessfully (a federal court overturned the ruling in 1992) tried to limit the amount of worker exposure to styrene to 50 parts per million (ppm).Īccording to the Styrene Information and Research Center (SIRC), they still encourage their member companies to comply with the 50 ppm exposure limit. A voluntary compliance program has been adopted by industries using styrene. Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA and by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Acute health effects are generally irritation of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal effects.Ĭhronic exposure affects the central nervous system showing symptoms such as depression, headache, fatigue, and weakness, and can cause minor effects on kidney function and blood. Styrene is used extensively in the manufacture of plastics, rubber, and resins.Ībout 90,000 workers, including those who make boats, tubs and showers, are potentially exposed to styrene. The biggest environmental health concern associated with polystyrene is the danger associated with Styrene, the basic building block of polystyrene.Polystyrene is a light-weight material, about 95% air, with very good insulation properties and is used in all types of products from cups that keep your beverages hot or cold to packaging material that keep your computers safe during shipping. Most people know it under the name Styrofoam, which is actually the trade name of a polystyrene foam product used for housing insulation. Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic made from the styrene monomer. Here is more on why we should avoid Styrofoam: Please help us send a message to Chick-Fil-A that we will no longer accept beverages in Styrofoam cups from them and they need to do the right thing for all of us and for the environment. That means that virtually every Styrofoam cup that Chick-Fil-A offers, ends up in our landfills, neighborhoods, rivers, streams and oceans.īecause Styrofoam breaks apart into smaller pieces easily, many of these pieces end up being ingested by birds, mammals and marine life with devastating consequences. Most community recycling centers will not accept Styrofoam in their recycling program, especially if the Styrofoam contained any kind of food or beverage item. It takes Styrofoam 50+ years to breakdown and the particles that end up in our environment are filled with toxic chemicals. Dart is also working to boost recovery rates of all the products they manufacture and is widely recognized as the industry leader in creating and promoting recycling opportunities for EPS foam #6.Each year countless animals die from ingesting plastics of all types including Styrofoam. Their portfolio of products offers a variety materials with different environmental attributes, including bagasse (sugarcane), paper and plastic (PET 1, PP 5, EPS 6 and PS 6). The plastics manufacturer offers foam recycling drop-off centers for individuals, schools and local businesses.ĭart sets the Industry Standard of Excellence by safely and efficiently providing high-quality food and beverage packaging solutions and exceptionally reliable service to each and every one of their customers. What they accept: Food service foam products, packaging foam productsĪbout: Residents of Chicago, North Aurora, and surrounding areas are able to conveniently recycle their polystyrene foam products thanks to Dart Container Corporation. Location: 310 Evergreen Drive, North Aurora, IL 60542 What they accept: Clean food packaging, transportation packaging

Location: 7575 Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL 60652
