Styrofoam is one of those materials that most people know they should not put in the microwave, but don’t know why.
Although it was originally developed to be a durable and inexpensive material, it has a few dangerous properties that make it highly combustible. Plastics are created from substances that can release vapors when heated.
Why Can’t You Put Styrofoam in the Microwave? So while styrofoam is not flammable on its own, the polystyrene particles inside of it will start to heat up, causing a build-up of pressure and releasing toxic chemicals such as styrene vapor into your home.
Related Article: Do I Need to Cover Food in Microwave?
Styrofoam is dangerous
The most common questions about styrofoam usually deal with whether or not it can be microwaved. The answer is no, because the polystyrene particles inside of it are flammable and toxic when heated.
There are many other reasons why you should not microwave food in styrofoam containers:
* Containers with a wax coating will melt on contact with microwaves.
* Styrofoam containers do not have an insulating property to protect your food – they’re simply too thin.
* Some types of styrofoam are coated in plastic, which can leach into your food.
* Styrofoam containers may contain BPA, which has been linked to hormone disruption and cancer in lab animals, and phthalates, which may disrupt human hormones as well.
Why can’t you put styrofoam in the microwave?
It’s important to know that styrofoam is not flammable on its own, but the polystyrene particles inside of it will start to heat up and release toxic chemicals when heated. For this reason, styrofoam is hazardous for use in microwaves.
Styrofoam is a popular material used in many products, but it’s typically not a good idea to include it among your items you put in the microwave.
Styrofoam is one of those materials that most people know they should not put in the microwave, but don’t know why.
Although it was originally developed to be a durable and inexpensive material, it has some dangerous properties that make it highly combustible.
Plastics are created from substances that can release vapors when heated.
So while styrofoam itself isn’t flammable on its own, the polystyrene particles inside of it can start to heat up and cause a buildup of pressure which releases toxic chemicals such as styrene vapor into your home.
dThis is what makes styrofoam hazardous for use in microwaves.
What are the dangers of putting styrofoam in the microwave?
Most people know that styrofoam is not microwave safe, but many are unaware of the reasons why. The main danger of putting styrofoam in the microwave is toxic fumes.
When heated, the polystyrene particles inside of it will start to heat up causing pressure to build and release toxic chemicals such as styrene vapor into your home.
It’s important to note that the polystyrene in styrofoam is not flammable on its own, but when heated enough it can cause a fire.
What are some alternatives to styrofoam?
Styrofoam is not flammable on its own, but the polystyrene particles inside of it will start to heat up and release toxic chemicals when heated.
Polystyrene foam can be replaced with other alternative materials like paper-based or corn-based composites which are biodegradable and burn slower.
If you’re looking for a quick fix for your styrosfoam items, you can put them in the fridge. This will keep them from vaporizing into harmful fumes.
Another alternative that is less environmentally friendly is to replace styrofoam with a different material altogether. You could use microwavable ceramics, glassware, or oven-safe plastics (made out of PVC) instead of styrofoam without the risk of toxicity.
Who makes it bad for you?
We know that styrofoam is hazardous, but who are the culprits? Styrene is a chemical that is used to make plastic, including styrofoam.
It has been found that styrene can cause cancer in animals and humans. It’s also possible for it to harm the kidneys and liver of those exposed to it.
The chemicals from styrene vapor released by styrofoam can enter your home or office through the ventilation system.
This means that even if you don’t put styrofoam in the microwave, you still have to worry about all of these toxic substances entering your home, putting everyone at risk of exposure.
Where did it come from?
Styrofoam, or polystyrene foam, is a man-made material that was first introduced in 1957 by Dow Chemical. It was originally developed as a durable and inexpensive material for use in building insulation and packaging.
Dow Chemical touts the material’s durability and low cost to be its primary benefits. Even though it’s not engineered to withstand heat, it is still used for insulation purposes due to its low cost.
Detoxifying Your Home from Styrene
If you do not have a microwave, you may still be exposed to styrene. This gas is often released into the air when styrofoam is heated or comes into contact with substances that include benzene, acetone, and gasoline.
We can help detoxify your home from styrene by removing these sources. For instance, we can inspect your home for any water-damaged building materials and remove them.
We can also help remove any remaining furniture or appliances that contain polystyrene foam.
Additionally, we are trained to check for leaks in your home and seal them so that no more toxic gases enter your living space.
What is Styrene and Why Is It Dangerous?
The dangers of styrene are well documented. Styrene is an organic compound that is used as a building block to create polystyrene, which is what makes up styrofoam.
Polystyrene’s main property is its flammability, so it’s not surprising that it’s hazardous in the microwave. When products containing polystyrene are heated, they release toxic chemicals into the air.
Styrene vapor can cause dizziness, headaches and loss of balance in humans, and prolonged exposure can cause cancer.
Styrene also poses a risk to animals due to their respiratory systems being more sensitive than ours. You might be wondering if there are any exceptions for where you should use styrofoam- don’t worry.
It doesn’t emit toxic fumes when burned as long as it has not been exposed to heat beforehand. So if you’re making a campfire, it’s safe to use!
FAQS
So I can’t put styrofoam in the microwave?
It’s not recommended. The answer is no, because the polystyrene particles inside of it are flammable and toxic when heated.
Why not?
In a nutshell, it’s because styrofoam is made of a plastic that releases toxic chemicals when heated.
Can I use styrofoam in the oven then?
You may be able to, but it would depend on the type of styrofoam you’re using. Most types of styrofoam are flammable and would likely catch fire if placed on high heat for a long period of time.
We really hope this has given you some insight into why you shouldn’t put your styrofoam in the microwave!
Conclusion
Tired of hearing your microwave go off every time you reheat your lunch?
Tired of finding styrofoam pieces in your food?
If so, then you may want to think about switching to a more sustainable option.
The dangers of styrene are well-known and the chemicals found in styrofoam are bad for you.
So what’s the alternative?
One option is to use paper products instead like paper plates or paper cups.
Another option is to use an old-fashioned styrofoam substitute, such as a Tupperware container or a stainless steel dish.
