Board of Health Moves to Ban Styrofoam Cups

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Several communities in Massachusetts have banned stryrofoam take-out containers and cups, and if the chairman of the Board of Health is persuasive enough Winthrop may also enact a ban.

At a recent meeting, Nick LoConte, chairman of the Board of Health, gave a presentation on the ill-effects of Styrofoam and his vision for making Winthrop stryofoam free in restaurants, coffee establishments and the schools.

After attending a conference with the Environmental Defense League, LoConte said the topic struck a cord.

LoConte’s presentation explained what is in Styrofoam containers, such as styrene and polystyrene. He said styrene is an industrial liquid chemical derived from benzene and used as precursor to polystyrene. In addition, the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies styrene as Group 2B carcinogen and it is rated as neurotoxin by Health & Human Services Department.

LoConte continued to explain that polystyrene or the “Styrofoam” name is trademarked brand by Dow Chemical Company. It is not biodegradable and the styrene in it can leach into liquids and food. Heat significantly increases leaching rate. This includes coffee, hot meals, and especially microwaving food in a take-out container. LoConte added that alcohols, oils, and fats promote leaching and can be found in items like salad dressings, shakes, and cream in coffee.

Environmentally, LoConte said Styrofoam is a major litter problem that kills birds and marine life. The creatures mistake it for food and they cannot digest it. Eventually the animal starves. In addition, Styrofoam is not biodegradable and takes thousands of years to decompose.

“It also cannot be recycled in Winthrop’s curbside recycling program,” LoConte said.

Several communities in Massachusetts have banned the use of Styrofoam by businesses and schools, including Brookline, Somerville, Marblehead, South Hadley, and Great Barrington.

“The board of Health’s recent fact finding regarding styrofoam’s health dangers and harmful environmental impact have left us troubled,” LoConte said. “We will continue to educate the public about this hazard as we consider regulatory options.”

LoConte said at least one restaurant in town, LaSiesta, does not use Styrofoam. Places like Dunkin Donuts would have to switch from foam to paper cups for coffee.

At the April Board of Health meeting LoConte said he would like to invite the school department and chamber of commerce in to talk about Styrofoam. He added that potential regulations and a fine system would also be discussed.