Will Swallowing Styrofoam Make You Sick?
The Bottom Line
Styrofoam is a form of polystyrene foam. Uses include food containers, packaging, building insulation, and craft products. It is non-toxic if ingested unless it blocks the airway or a large piece gets stuck in the esophagus. If someone chews on or swallows Styrofoam, get any pieces you can out of the mouth and provide something to drink.
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is an expanded polystyrene foam. Styrene is a volatile colorless liquid which is polymerized to form polystyrene, a type of foam plastic. The term “Styrofoam” refers to the trademarked brand manufactured by DuPont. Styrofoam is lightweight. It is non-biodegradable and non-recyclable, so it is considered an environmental hazard. It is used in food containers, egg cartons, packaging (blocks and peanuts), building insulation, craft products, and blocks for floral arrangement.Is Styrofoam toxic if ingested?
Styrofoam is not toxic if ingested since it does not break down and is not absorbed into the body. Small pieces should pass through the digestive tract and not cause any problems. The biggest concern is gagging, choking, or possibly a large piece getting stuck in the esophagus.Is it safe to heat food in Styrofoam containers?
Styrofoam is safe for food use. However, if Styrofoam is heated to a high temperature, it can break down and chemicals such as styrene can get into your food. Microwaving Styrofoam containers is not recommended for that reason. When heated, Styrofoam can also give off fumes of butylene (a polymer of styrene) which can be toxic in small, poorly ventilated areas.When to seek help
If someone chews on or swallows Styrofoam, get any pieces you can out of the mouth and give them something to drink. If they are having trouble swallowing, there is a chance a piece is stuck in the esophagus. Help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROLL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist
Poison Control Media Information
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Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Use Styrofoam food containers properly.
- Do not put Styrofoam food containers in the oven. Always transfer food to an oven-safe container before heating.
- Only heat food in the microwave in a Styrofoam container if the container has a microwave-safe label.
- Vent the microwave-safe container to prevent buildup of pressure inside.
- Use alternative non-Styrofoam options for packaging.
- Keep Styrofoam products, including packing materials such as foam peanuts, up, away, and out of sight of children.
This Really Happened
A 4-year-old girl who was drinking milk out of a Styrofoam cup took a bite out of the cup and chewed it. Her mother took the cup away and got a large piece of Styrofoam out of her daughter’s mouth, but smaller pieces remained. The mother was concerned that some Styrofoam had been swallowed so she called Poison Control to check if Styrofoam ingestion was dangerous. Poison Control asked about symptoms such as coughing or choking and the mother said there were no symptoms. Poison Control informed the mother that this was not a toxic ingestion and instructed her to use a damp cloth to wipe smaller pieces of Styrofoam out of her daughter’s mouth and then give her something to drink. Poison Control noted that any swallowed pieces may be seen in her daughter’s stools over the next day or so.For More Information
References
Sessa EM. Styrofoam aspiration. Pediatrics. 1980;65(5):1055.
Poisoned?
Call 1-800-222-1222 or
Prevention Tips
- Use Styrofoam food containers properly.
- Do not put Styrofoam food containers in the oven. Always transfer food to an oven-safe container before heating.
- Only heat food in the microwave in a Styrofoam container if the container has a microwave-safe label.
- Vent the microwave-safe container to prevent buildup of pressure inside.
- Use alternative non-Styrofoam options for packaging.
- Keep Styrofoam products, including packing materials such as foam peanuts, up, away, and out of sight of children.