Fact or Fiction: Can styrene packaging really cause cancer?

fact-or-fiction-can-styrene-packaging-really-cause-cancerStyrene (a related unit to<a href=https://www.containerandpackaging.com/2011/05/the-what-is-plastics-series-the-truth-behind-polystyrene/> polystyrene</a>) has been in the news lately, and not thanks to its multifaceted contributions to the modern world. Dark clouds are shrouding the subject of plastics, and styrene is in the eye of the storm. Newsflash, stop worrying about plastics! It's time to put needless concerns to rest and shed some revealing light on this not-so-scary resin situation. So, how did helpful materials like plastics garner such a misleading reputation? Here's a case-in-point example. The following article was distributed on a handful of news websites. Report: Two Materials linked to Cancer (Washington, DC) ” Two materials commonly used by Americans everyday are being linked to cancer by government experts. Scientists say formaldehyde is a carcinogen and that styrene might lead to cancer. Formaldehyde is often found in plywood, particle board, hair salons and mortuaries. Styrene is used in bathtubs, boats and plastic cups and plates. Scientists say the cancer risk posed by styrene is low due to small amounts in consumer products. The report from the National Toxicology Program states the evidence for cancer from formaldehyde is far greater than styrene. Consumers are said to be more likely exposed to possibly dangerous quantities of formaldehyde. Although this article is based on snippets of fact, for every semi-legitimate plastics article several fear mongering myths can be found traveling along the information super highway (<a href=https://www.containerandpackaging.com/2011/07/plastics-make-it-possible-works-to-improve-the-reputation-of-plastic-bottles/>read this post on some of the most prevalent plastic tall tales</a>). Apprehension regarding the use of plastics can be generated from a variety of sources; poor journalism was the culprit in this case. It's obvious that very little investigative work went into composing the article above. So, styrene is linked to causing cancer, what does that mean exactly? Simple facts regarding who was researching the material and for what purpose are unclear, that's the first red flag. Learn to question the opinions of ambiguous and disconnected sources like government experts and scientists, don't buy their fodder because it sounds authoritative, they could be living in a van down by the river for all you know (Chris Farley’s portrayal of motivational speaker Matt Foley is a prime example). Here's why you can rest easy, I've got the accurate details behind this half-baked news story. Styrene was included in the latest version of the National Toxicology Program's (NTP) Carcinogen report, released June 10, 2011. NTP has been quoted as saying, the reports do not present quantitative assessment of carcinogenic risk, meaning the scientific value of this report is not absolute and is dependent upon several factors. For instance, the author (which we didn’t even get a name) of Report: Two Materials linked to Cancer didn’t include that the report is based on an exposure study of styrene plant employees … not everyday consumers like you and me. The story they didn’t tell you, is that the study projects that individuals who come in contact with styrene, in massive amounts and on a nearly constant basis could conceivably be slightly more likely to develop cancer. Working in a styrene factory could be hazardous, but drinking from a foam cup isn’t going to kill you. Eating the occasional foam cup or handful of packing peanuts won’t kill you either (although eating foam-form polystyrene isn’t highly recommended). Oh, and by the way … bottled water, sunshine, table sugar, iodized salt, microwaves, instant ramen, and cellphone signals will give you cancer too. The key with everything is moderation. In a statement from the American Chemistry Council, CEO Cal Dooley reminds all polystyrene users that the material has been in use for decades. Polystyrene was judged as safe for use in packaging for food and other products in the beginning and has remained under federal safety scrutiny ever since. Risk assessments regarding styrene's health implications have been analyzed in labs throughout the country, concluding in results that echo a line from the original article, Scientists say the cancer risk posed by styrene is low due to small amounts in consumer products. Low, or virtually nonexistent; in short, everyday people are not exposed to styrene in a sufficient supply for the material to alter their health. <a title=Search for polystyrene containers at Container and Packaging Supply href=https://www.containerandpackaging.com/SiteSearch.asp?search=PS> </a> All in all, sure styrene can give you cancer. But if you want the sickness to stick you’ll have to start hanging out at the plastic plant a lot more and institute a well-balanced resin diet. As long as you don't devour your disposable coffee cup on your way to work, chow down on your fast food to-go container for lunch, inhale a polystyrene picnic plate for dinner and gorge on foam packing peanuts throughout the evening for the next 35 years, you should stay free from styrene induced cancer. Will you continue to use your styrene products? Tell us why or why not in the comments! Learn more about <a title=Read about styrene in the NTP Carcinogen Report href=http://www.thestreet.com/story/11150107/1/national-toxicology-program-report-on-styrene-no-change-in-safety-of-plastic-foodservice-packaging.html>styrene’s inclusion in the NTP Carcinogen report</a> or access NTP's 12th Report on Carcinogen<a title=Read the NTP Carcinogen Report href=http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/roc12/INDEXC5F2.HTM>s</a>.