Styrofoam is everywhere and we take it for granted. It is in disposable plates, cups, carpeting, furniture, children’s toys, crafts, CD cases, luggage, etc. Because it is lightweight, it is widely used it in packaging. It is well traveled and likes to fly around. Once out of the box, it’s favorite hangouts are along roadsides, and in landfills, beaches, rivers and oceans. Styrofoam degrades into small particles that may take up to 500 years to disintegrate. The EPA estimates that Americans trash 77 foam cups per person each year. In Maine, none of these can be recycled. Styrofoam now constitutes 90 percent of floating marine debris and it takes up 25-30 percent of our landfill.

Should we be concerned? Yes. Styrofoam is composed of Styrene– a petroleum byproduct which is a toxic chemical that has been linked to cancer in lab animals and may also impair vision, hearing and memory. During the manufacturing process 57 chemical by- products get released into the atmosphere and waterways. The effects on workers with prolonged exposure to styrene during manufacturing include headaches, fatigue, depression, decreased sperm count, increased risk of cancer and adverse effects on kidneys.

Of great concern is the use of Styrofoam in disposable cups, plates and clam shells used for carry out food. When heated fatty foods or acidic foods come in contact with these items, styrene leaches out of the containers into the food then into our bodies. These toxic chemicals leach out of plastics into landfills and waterways, as well. Birds, marine mammals and fish mistake the Styrofoam for food and are dying from either choking on it or ingesting it. As Styrofoam moves up the food chain, we need to be concerned about the risks it poses to Casco Bay marine life, fishing and possible harm from eating seafood contaminated with styrene.

Fortunately, there are reasonably priced biodegradable alternatives to Styrofoam food ware, which many area restaurants and stores are now stocking. If not, you can ask request these establishments to carry them. If offered food in Styrofoam at restaurants, you can reject it or ask your waiter to package take home food in something else.

Fully 605 Topsham voters signed a petition to put before the voters a measure to ban Styrofoam containers for the packaging, serving and sale of food and beverages by restaurants, stores and other establishments (with an exception for raw and live seafood).

Topsham voters, please show you care about our environment by supporting it, local ballot measure #2, when you go to the polls on November 8th!

Dr. Diane H. Schetky is a member of BYOB Topsham.