Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has become the first university in Malaysia to take a firm stand against the use of styrofoam containers in the campus. The canteen operators are instead advised to use a bio-degradable packaging made from natural oil palm fibres.
Why avoid the use of styrofoam (or polystyrene)?
Research studies have found that when plastic/styrofoam comes in contact with certain foods, molecules in the plastic (called styrene) can leach into the food or beverage.
Apparently the higher the fat content, the higher the migration of styrene into the food. Styrene also leaks faster when
the food or drinks are hot, or
the food gets heated up in the container, or
the food contains acidic substances (eg tomoto sauce), or
the food contains alcohol.
Studies suggest that styrene mimics estrogen in the body and can therefore disrupt normal hormone functions, possibly contributing to thyroid problems, menstrual irregularities, and other hormone-related problems, as well as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Long-term, constant exposure to small amounts of foreign substances—especially those that mimic hormones may cause problems.
Suggestions for better food storage.
1. Use ceramic, glass, porcelain, paper and stainless steel containers, where possible
2. Don't microwave or heat food in polysterene containers.
The New Straits Times Online.....
0 comments:
Post a Comment