Can You Microwave Styrofoam?
67Can you microwave styrofoam? Many people would like to know if it is safe to place styrofoam in the microwave oven. Styrofoam is a common brand name for a type of molded plastic foam called polysterene. There are a lot of products that are made from it such as plates and cups among others. When in room temperature, styrofoam is in solid form but it will melt when exposed to heat. This is the reason why people would like to know if it is safe to place styrofoam in the microwave. Aside from that, styrofoam is also difficult to recycle which is why environmentalists discourage the use of it. The primary reason though why people ask this question concerns the health. Many believe that when the styrofoam is placed in the microwave and exposed to heat, it will release toxins that can be passed on to the food and can therefore harm people who will consume it. Although there are varieties of styrofoam that are labeled as "microwave safe." many people still are not convinced that it is harmless.
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As mentioned above, styrofoam melts when exposed to heat. When it breaks down, it will release a chemical gas and this will then be passed on to the food. This process is accelerated when the food that is being heated has high fat content. Even if you place a napkin on top of the styrofoam plate, chemicals can still be found on the food as direct contact is not necessary. On the other hand if you low temperature to prevent the styrofoam from melting, this risks bacterial growth as well as potential food poisioning.
Styrofoam also contains Styrene. The US' Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has said that exposure to Styrene can have an adverse affect on the central nervous system and can cause headaches, fatigue, confusion, dizziness and the feeling of being intoxicated. Benzene is another styrofoam component that can go into the food when heated. When high amounts of this is consumed, it can cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and irregular heartbeat.
If you really have no choice but styrofoam, it is important to at least make sure that the type you will be using is microwave safe.
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Good information....yes it is better not to use styfofoam in microwave in any case, to be on safe side. Thanks.
sisterofdummy microwaves do not put radiation in your food. that is not how they work at all. you should do your homework.
hey sisterofdummy, your username fits...dummy.
'because of the radiation it puts...etc' do you even know how a microwave works?
Please do some research, you are making yourself look stupid.
As for the article, it's quite vague, and the lengthy introduction into 'why ppl wanna know if it's safe' is completely and utterly useless.
thanks though.
sisterofdummy Level 1 Commenter 15 months ago
One, I don't even use a microwave because of the radiation it puts in your food, and ultimately, your body. Not only that, styrofoam is almost impossible to recycle.