The link between Styrofoam cups and diseases
To the Editor:
In my travels around the Davenport Diocese, I’ve noticed some church kitchens are still serving coffee in Styrofoam cups. They may not know that more than 10 states in the U.S. have banned polystyrene foam (commonly known as Styrofoam) products because of health risks (Duane Morris Government strategies, https://tinyurl.com/3w8zhdr8). Countries around the world have also implemented bans.
I did a little review of the use of Styrofoam and found numerous articles on the health risks of using Styrofoam cups, especially with hot coffee or tea. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a National Toxicology Program (NTP) statement referred to styrene as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” (Report on Carcinogens, Twelfth Edition, 8-27-22, https//ntp.hiens.nih. gov/go/roc).
So, my question is, why have we not heard about these health concerns when 10 countries, and a dozen U.S. states have banned the use of Styrofoam cups?
Father Bill Kneemiller, Davenport
