Source: Public Relations and Information Department

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Styrofoam can cause cancer - solon

11 December 2009 09:48:23 AM
Writer: Salvacion Beleo, MRS-PRIB

A lawmaker today moved to ban the use of food containers made of styrofoam in public and private school canteens.

Rep. Raymond Palatino (Party-list, KABATAAN) said styrofoam packaging produces dioxins that cause a wide range of illnesses, including male and female reproductive problems, diabetes and hormonal disorders.

Palatino, author of House Bill 6798, also cited studies that styrofoam causes cancer when use as food container or packaging.

In filing the bill, Palatino said recent studies showed styrofoam poses possible health risks since expanded polystyrene has a key component called styrene, which has been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen.

Palatino said expanded polystyrene means blown polystyrene and expanded and extruded forms commonly known as styrofoam, which are thermoplastic petrochemical materials utilizing a styrene monomer and processed by a number of techniques such as injection molding, foam molding, among others.

Expanded polystyrene is non-biodegradable and it resists compacting, thus taking up extra landfill space for long period of time, according to Palatino.

"Continued use of polystyrene damages the environment, and it is manifested in the perennial problem of waste management in the country," Palatino said.

Under the bill, all food service establishments such as canteens, cafeteria, dining hall or eatery inside the school premises shall be prohibited from selling food packed or served using food containers or packages made of expanded polystyrene food service products.