Burning Styrofoam, which is expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, is a highly dangerous practice. This material is a petroleum-based plastic that does not burn cleanly in an open environment. When subjected to the lower temperatures of a campfire or burn barrel, the foam undergoes incomplete combustion, which breaks down the polymer structure. This process releases a complex mixture of hazardous compounds into the air, posing significant risks to both human health and the surrounding environment.
The Toxic Byproducts of Combustion
The incomplete burning of expanded polystyrene releases dozens of toxic chemical compounds into the atmosphere. One concerning byproduct is the styrene monomer, the chemical building block of the foam, which is liberated when the polymer chain breaks down under heat. Another deadly emission is carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas produced when there is insufficient oxygen for complete combustion.
The combustion process also generates dense, black particulate matter, commonly known as soot. These fine particles can be easily inhaled, carrying toxic chemicals deep into the lungs. The smoke also contains Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds like benzene and toluene, and trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide (HCN).
Immediate and Long-Term Health Risks
Inhaling the fumes from burning Styrofoam can cause a range of immediate, acute health issues. Exposure to the toxic plume often leads to respiratory irritation, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and burning in the throat and eyes. Individuals may also experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue. High concentrations of carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to poisoning, which starves the body’s organs of oxygen and can be fatal.
The long-term health consequences of repeated exposure are serious due to the nature of the released chemicals. Styrene is classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Chronic exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing lymphohematopoietic cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Consistent inhalation of the fine particulate matter (soot) is linked to the development of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis, lung scarring, and reduced lung function.
Proper Disposal Methods
Since burning is not a safe option, proper disposal methods must be used for expanded polystyrene foam. The material is technically recyclable, but many local curbside programs will not accept it. This is due to its low density and tendency to fragment, which can contaminate other recyclables. The presence of food residue on foam containers also makes them ineligible for most recycling processes.
For clean EPS packaging, the best option is to look for specialized drop-off centers or mail-back programs. These facilities often use densification, which compresses the bulky foam into solid blocks, making it economical to transport and process into new products. If the foam is contaminated or local recycling options are unavailable, the safest alternative is to place it in the general waste bin for landfill disposal.