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You Know Styrene

A resource for consumers, employees and communities

  • The Styrene You Know
    • What Are Styrene’s Chemical Properties?
    • What Are the Uses and Benefits of Styrene?
  • Facts About Styrene
    • Frequently Asked Questions about Styrene
  • Styrene Health & Safety
    • How Do Consumers Use Styrene-Based Products?
    • Where Is Styrene Found in the Community?
    • How Does Styrene Affect Workers?
  • Styrene & Sustainability
    • How Does Styrene Improve Product Performance?
    • How Are Styrene Products Recycled and Recovered?
  • Jobs & the Economy

How Do Consumers Use Styrene-Based Products?

From the time each of us awakes in the morning to the time we go to bed, styrene-based products are adding convenience, comfort, and safety to our lives. We’re depending on styrene-based products while taking a shower, fixing meals, commuting, working on a computer, driving a car, making calls from our smartphones, and enjoying recreational activities.

For the general public, exposure to styrene from everyday consumer products is safe and not a cause for concern. 

Styrene has been studied extensively, including a 2019 comprehensive human health risk assessment.  It is very unlikely adverse health effects would be experienced from consumer exposures. 

Styrene Used in Food Service

Consumers may come into contact with styrene through food service packaging products made with polystyrene.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food safety and the safety of food contact packaging, has cleared polystyrene food packaging as safe for both hot and cold food and drink. 

In addition, tests and studies have repeatedly shown that the trace amounts of styrene which may migrate into food or drink from polystyrene containers or other packaging is minimal and does not have an adverse impact on consumers’ health. 

For more information about the safety of polystyrene foodservice materials, visit here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food safety and the safety of food contact packaging, has cleared polystyrene food packaging as safe for both hot and cold food and drink.

Did you know?

Polystyrene foam food packaging is an important factor in maintaining good public hygiene for grocers and consumers. Meat, poultry, and seafood are commonly packaged on foam trays to keep liquids and potentially harmful bacteria from leaking onto display surfaces and consumers’ hands.

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Styrene Information & Research Center
400 E Joppa Road, Suite 108
Towson, MD 21286
202-787-5996

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In North America, the Styrene Information & Research Center (SIRC) serves as a resource for industry, federal and state governments, and international agencies on issues related to the potential impact of exposure to styrene on human health and the environment.

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