Dear Editor,
At last and finally we read from the news that this Government will ban Styrofoam containers for sale and or use in Guyana.
This is a major and positive health decision by this new administration and which should be strictly enforced and policed.
Polystyrene contains the toxic substances styrene and benzene, suspected of containing carcinogens and neurotoxins which are hazardous to humans. Hot food and liquids actually start a partial breakdown of the Styrofoam, causing some toxins to be absorbed into our bloodstream and tissue. Further, we are also advised by the medical fraternity not to drink tea with lemon, coffee with dairy cream, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages and wine from Styrofoam cups. The chemicals could dissolve the styrene found in Styrofoam containers.
Several medical journals also advise not eating oily foods from Styrofoam containers.
Most interesting is the information about the degradation of food that contains vitamin A (beta-carotene). In packaged foods with the addition of heat (such as microwave temperatures), vitamin A will decompose and produce m-xylene, toluene, and 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene. Toluene will aggressively dissolve polystyrene. This renders polystyrene an unsuitable package for containing or microwaving products that contain vitamin A.
Styrofoam containers are a ubiquitous ugly sight in our environment, i.e, drains and gutters. They block drainage too. It is also a danger to birds, animals and fish if eaten or swallowed.
Many I know, are pleased with this prudent and timely decision by this national and considerate administration and consider it courageous and bold to put a complete ban on all Styrofoam products.
Yours faithfully,
Rooplall Dudhnath