The Effects of Styrofoam Smoke
Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, poses a great danger to landfills. The material can take hundreds of years to decompose, increasing the clutter in already-full landfills. As bad as this is, it is far worse to burn the material. When burned, Styrofoam releases more than 90 different hazardous chemicals and the effects are vast and harmful to the health of any person present for the burning.
Carbon Monoxide
When styrofoam is burned, carbon monoxide is released into the air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon monoxide is an undetectable gas that can kill you before you're even aware of it's presence 2. At it's best, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause fainting, dizziness and nausea. Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous chemicals to be released as a result of burning polystyrene.
- When styrofoam is burned, carbon monoxide is released into the air.
- Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous chemicals to be released as a result of burning polystyrene.
Styrene Vapors
The Different Types of Smog
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Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene. When Styrofoam is burned, vapors from styrene are released into the air. Styrene is also present in cigarette smoke, but in much smaller doses. The vapor that is released from styrene can affect the senses, particularly the eyes, and can also negatively affect the central nervous system. The EPA is currently researching a possible correlation between styrene and cancer.
- Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene.
- Styrene is also present in cigarette smoke, but in much smaller doses.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds that can appear in many different materials, including Styrofoam 4. There are myriad effects that result from exposure to PAH particles, including blistering, irritation, reproductive problems and even cancer. An individual's reaction to PAHs depend on heredity and various tolerance levels. Some PAHs can be detected through testing and some may not.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of compounds that can appear in many different materials, including Styrofoam 4.
- There are myriad effects that result from exposure to PAH particles, including blistering, irritation, reproductive problems and even cancer.
Carbon Black
List of All Chemicals in Cigarette Smoke
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Carbon black is, essentially, pure carbon produced by the burning of hydrocarbon. The exposure to carbon black is not as dangerous as exposure to some of the other chemicals released during burning, but long-term exposure poses some risk. The primary health concern from the inhalation of carbon black involves the respiratory system. There can be a cough and slight changes in lung activity, but there is no known correlation between carbon black and cancer or any other body systems.
- Carbon black is, essentially, pure carbon produced by the burning of hydrocarbon.
- The exposure to carbon black is not as dangerous as exposure to some of the other chemicals released during burning, but long-term exposure poses some risk.
Related Articles
References
- "Seattle PI"; Styrofoam Is an Environmental Evil; Mike Davis; July 2007
- EPA: An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: Carbon Monoxide
- EPA: Pollution, Prevention and Toxins: Styrene Fact Sheet
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov. Safety and efficacy study of inhaled carbon monoxide to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Updated July 14, 2020.
- Djenane D, Roncalés P. Carbon monoxide in meat and fish packaging: Advantages and limits. Foods. 2018;7(2):12. doi:10.3390/foods7020012
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Frequently asked questions. Updated July 17, 2020.
- Wilbur S, Williams M, Williams R. Toxicological profile for carbon monoxide. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US., 2012.
Writer Bio
Lacy Nichols is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., where she earned a Bachelor of Science in communication and English. She has written and produced several radio advertisements and commercials, with publications in several literary magazines as well.