Many consumer websites warn that microwaving Styrofoam food containers is dangerous to your health and can cause medical illnesses as varied as depression, cancer and nerve damage. These claims are based on the belief that when Styrofoam is over-heated it leaches chemicals into the food. Fatty foods such as meat and cheese can heat the Styrofoam enough to cause diethylhexyl adipate, a softening agent in the Styrofoam, to leak into the food.

On the Other: Chemical Amounts Are Insignificant

The Food and Drug Administration is aware that small amounts of these plasticizing chemicals tend to migrate out of Styrofoam and other plastics during heating in a microwave. Because of this, all plastics that come in contact with food are tested and must meet federal safety guidelines governing the amount of chemical leaching. If a container exceeds these strict limits, it will not be approved for consumer use.

Bottom Line

Styrofoams and other plastics containers used for food require safety approval from the FDA. The amounts of chemicals that may leach into food from microwaving Styrofoam are so insignificant that they do not have adverse affects on human health.

Source:

Harvard Health Publications: Microwaving Food in Plastic: Dangerous or Not?

UAE Dining Website

Green Parents: Dangers of Styrofoam