U.S. Warns Styrene and Formaldehyde May Cause Cancer

[Elmore Furth]

Damn, I guess I'd better not microwave water in styrofoam cups.

The government added styrene and seven other chemicals to its list of possible human carcinogens in a report delayed for years because of fierce lobbying from manufacturers. Styrene is found in foam coffee cups, food containers and building materials.

The report also strengthened the warning on formaldehyde, saying it was known to cause some kinds of leukemia. Formaldehyde is found in plywood, pressboard and even some hair treatments. Much of the research underlying these warnings comes from industrial settings, where workers are exposed to large amounts of these chemicals. The amount of styrene found in a coffee cup, by contrast, is very small.

But Dr. Philip Landrigan, dean for global health at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said that he would advise people — particularly pregnant women and small children — to avoid using polystyrene containers and other products that use styrene.

Workers at plants that use styrene can be exposed to high levels of the substance. Studies of workers in styrene plants have suggested that they suffer relatively high levels of cancer.


U.S. Warns Styrene and Formaldehyde May Cause Cancer

[elocs]

1. Somebody should give scientists a grant to find a substance that does not cause cancer.

That might be simpler.

[lbrtbell]

2. Wow, they're quick on the uptake

I remember hearing about the risks of styrofoam way back in the 1970's. It took them this long to admit it, eh?

[rateyes]

3. When aspartame in diet drinks get over 84 degrees Fahrenheit

it becomes formaldehyde. Besides a carcinogen, according to this article, it is also a neurotoxin. Formaldehyde in certain concentrations in the body can cause symptoms mimicking parkinsons, alzheimers, etc. Some believe that Gulf War Syndrome is a result of troops drinking excessive amounts of diet drinks that had been sitting in the hot desert sun.

[intaglio]

4. FFS Styrene and Formaldehyde

They have been known to be carcinogens for about 20 years!