Depression
Chronic headaches
Fatigue
Weakness
Minor effects on kidney function and blood.
The US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration and the EPA are aware of styrene’s negative effects, but have yet to successfully limit its usage. This is one of many reasons we need policy reform of OSHA and TSCA to protect our American workforce.
Styrene: A petroleum byproduct that can be found in plastics, resins, and Styrofoam. It is a toxic chemical that is used to create polystyrene. CD Cases, food service products, and luggage; you name it! This chemical is probably there.
Polystyrene: Created from Styrene, polystyrene is a lightweight, insulating material that can be in both liquid and sold form.
Styrofoam: This is actually “extruded polystyrene foam,” but we just call it Styrofoam. It is made from polystyrene and it used for many things like surfboards, life rafts, bean bags, and of course as disposable plates and cups.