Exploring the Risks and Ramifications of Microwaving Styrofoam
Microwaving EPS Foam Containers: Potential Health Risks and Environmental Concerns
Microwaving expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers, commonly used for food and drink, may pose health risks due to the leaching of styrene, a probable carcinogen, into food.
Styrene, a chemical component of EPS foam, is known to be potentially carcinogenic. When EPS containers are microwaved, small amounts of styrene may leach into the food, especially when heating fatty or oily contents [1][4].
Regulatory bodies have generally deemed styrene levels from occasional use as "safe," but repeated, chronic exposure—such as daily microwaving—raises concerns over cumulative health risks [1]. Some EPS products are labeled microwave-safe by the FDA, but many are not, and microwaving non-labeled EPS containers increases the risk of chemical leaching [4].
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) states that high levels of styrene may affect a person's nervous system and is a possible human carcinogen [5]. A 2019 study found that workers exposed to styrene may be at increased risk of mortality from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer [2].
In addition to health concerns, EPS foam is difficult to recycle and does not decompose easily. Cities in the United States, including Seattle and San Francisco, have begun to ban EPS containers in favor of more environmentally friendly options [6].
To safely heat food in an EPS foam container, one should vent the container, use oven gloves, or a protective material when removing it from the microwave, and avoid using old or damaged containers [3]. It is safer to transfer food to a glass, ceramic, or Pyrex container before heating in the microwave.
It is important to note that EPS foam is different from polystyrene foam, which makes up some disposable food containers, packaging peanuts, and disposable coffee cups. Plastic containers, aluminum foil, metal containers or cutlery, insulated coffee cups, brown paper bags, and insulated coffee cups should not be put in the microwave [6].
A 2017 systematic review found no strong link between styrene exposure and certain types of cancer, suggesting further research may be needed [7]. However, given the potential health risks and environmental concerns, it is advisable to avoid microwaving EPS foam containers unless explicitly marked safe for microwave use.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717201/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717201/ [3] https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/food-packaging [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717201/ [5] https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vps/pubs/monographs/styrene/index.htm [6] https://www.epa.gov/waste/polystyrene-foam-takeout-containers-and-food-service-products [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849130/
- Incorporating food and food benefits into a science-based health-and-wellness plan would be wise, given that avoiding microwaving expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers due to potential health risks associated with styrene leaching offers a better alternative for heating food.
- Medical-conditions related to styrene exposure, a probable carcinogen leached from EPS foam containers during microwaving, have been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer, as suggested by some scientific studies.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts looking to maintain a balanced nutrition practice can make a conscious choice to switch to microwave-safe containers to avoid potential styrene leaching and promote a healthier environment along with their health-focused lifestyle.
