Styrene

High Concern

Plastic Contaminant

Also known as

styrenevinylbenzeneethenylbenzenestyrofoam

The concern

IARC Group 2A probable carcinogen. Can leach from polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers into hot foods and beverages. US National Toxicology Program lists it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

Read the source: IARC / NTP

What to look for on labels

This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:

Styrene
styrene
vinylbenzene
ethenylbenzene
styrofoam

Learn more

Read the full evidence directly from the authoritative source.

View source — IARC / NTP

Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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