What are the effects of Styrofoam smoke?
The Effects of Styrofoam Smoke 1 Carbon Monoxide. When styrofoam is burned, carbon monoxide is released into the air. ... 2 Styrene Vapors. Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene. ... 3 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. ... 4 Carbon Black. ...
What chemicals are released when you burn styrofoam?
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous chemicals to be released as a result of burning polystyrene. 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.
What happens if you burn polystyrene?
At its 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. Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene.
What is styrene and why is it dangerous?
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.
Is Styrofoam toxic to breathe?
Skin, Eyes and Lung Irritation Exposure to polystyrene dust as a result of cutting Styrofoam can result in skin, eye and lung irritation. Itchy eyes and skin and difficulty breathing can result from chronic exposure to Styrofoam dust.
Is Styrofoam toxic to humans?
Polystyrene foam not only poses a threat to human health, but can also be harmful to the environment. Foam is lightweight and is easily blown by wind or washed away by rain into water sources. It is also very brittle, and can break into small pieces that are easy for animals to eat.
Can Styrofoam make you sick?
Styrofoam is a foam plastic that does not break down or get absorbed into the body when ingested. If a large piece of styrofoam is ingested, it can cause gagging and choking. There is a chance for the piece to become stuck in the esophagus and cause mild discomfort with swallowing.
Is Styrofoam cancerous?
In the case of polystyrene, tiny amounts of styrene may remain following manufacture and it's this substance that may migrate. In 2014, the National Research Council in the US reviewed the evidence and concluded that styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”.