1) "Polystyrene is commonly produced in three forms: extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene foam, and extruded polystyrene foam, each with a variety of applications. Polystyrene copolymers are also produced; these contain one or more other monomers in addition to styrene. Extruded polystyrene foam insulation is sold under the trademark Styrofoam by Dow Chemical. This term is often used informally for other foamed polystyrene products." "There is concern about the trace presence of polystyrene's production chemicals in the final plastic product, most of which are toxic if not removed. For instance benzene, which is used to produce ethylbenzene for styrene, is a known carcinogen. As well, unpolymerized styrene may pose health risks. Nevertheless, the EPA states: “ Styrene is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy. Human studies are inconclusive on the reproductive and developmental effects of styrene; several studies did not report an increase in developmental effects in women who worked in the plastics industry, while an increased frequency of spontaneous abortions and decreased frequency of births were reported in another study. Several epidemiologic studies suggest there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. However, the evidence is inconclusive due to confounding factors. EPA has not given a formal carcinogen classification to styrene. [10] ” Polystyrene is classified according to DIN4102 as a "B3" product, meaning highly flammable or "easily ignited." Consequently, although it is an efficient insulator at low temperatures, its use is prohibited in any exposed installations in building construction if the material is not flame retardant, e.g., with hexabromocyclododecane. It must be concealed behind drywall, sheet metal or concrete. Foamed polystyrene plastic materials have been accidentally ignited and caused huge fires and losses, for example at the Düsseldorf International Airport, the Channel tunnel (where polystyrene was inside a railcar that caught on fire), and the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant (where fire reached through a fire retardant and reached the foamed plastic underneath, inside a firestop that had not been tested and certified in accordance with the final installation). In addition to fire hazard, polystyrene can be dissolved by substances that contain acetone (such as most aerosol paint sprays), and by cyanoacrylate glues." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene 2) "Bottled water may not be safer, or healthier, than tap water. The present studies have proved that styrene and some other aromatic compounds leach continuously from polystyrene (PS) bottles used locally for packaging." "Eleven aromatic compounds were identified in these studies. Maximum concentration of styrene in PS bottles was 29.5 µg/L. Apart from styrene, ethyl benzene, toluene and benzene were also quantified but their concentrations were much less than WHO guide line values. All other compounds were in traces. Quality of plastic and storage time were the major factor in leaching of styrene. Concentration of styrene was increased to 69.53 µg/L after one-year storage. In Styrofoam and PS cups studies, hot water was found to be contaminated with styrene and other aromatic compounds. It was observed that temperature played a major role in the leaching of styrene monomer from Styrofoam cups. Paper cups were found to be safe for hot drinks." Source and further information: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B8CX4-4NRMT4B-8&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=867227af6af2582404aa06c7627bed54 3) "Styrofoam is a proven health hazard. When Styrofoam is used to hold food or drinks (such as to-go boxes) numerous toxic chemicals leach out into the food or drink which is then consumed, ingesting the toxins along with the food. Styrofoam production involves the use of two carcinogens (cancer causing agents) benzene and styrene. (Johnson 35) Another type of toxin found in Styrofoam has been found to lower sperm production in males and reduce the number of full time pregnancies in females. (Johnson 36)" Source and further information: http://cla.calpoly.edu/~smarx/courses/134/webpapers/055/wevill5rg.htm 4) "Medical evidence suggests that chemicals, as benzene & styrene in EPS foam are carcinogenic and may leach into food and drink. Polystyrene is produced from styrene, a known human neurotoxin and animal carcinogen, attacking the central and peripheral nervous systems. Factory workers who work with styrene have been documented to have suffered from a variety of neurological and hematological disorders. Not only is there styrene left over from EPS manufacturing, but styrene has been shown to leach out from EPS packaging under a variety of circumstances--most notably when in contact with an acidic food (such as adding lemon to your tea), contact with hot foods, or when food containing vitamin A, which breaks down EPS, is microwaved." Source and further information: http://styrophobia.com/whystyrophobia.html

I think styrene is the biggie...

2-20-2017 Go to google.com and type "styrofoam msds". That gets you a link to a Material Safety Data Sheet from every manufacturer of that product. The format is set by federal law, but every manufacturer might include different information.