Packing peanuts are lightweight materials used for cushioning and protecting items during shipping, preventing contents from shifting. Accidental ingestion can lead to questions about their safety. This article addresses common concerns regarding the accidental consumption of packing peanuts.
What Packing Peanuts Are Made Of
Packing peanuts are typically made from one of two main materials. The traditional variety consists of expanded polystyrene foam, a petroleum-based material. This material is lightweight, durable, and non-biodegradable, meaning it does not break down naturally and can persist for hundreds of years in landfills. Polystyrene peanuts are commonly white or pink and can generate static electricity, causing them to stick to clothing or other surfaces.
In response to environmental considerations, starch-based packing peanuts were developed as an alternative. These are made from plant materials such as corn starch, wheat starch, or potato starch. Unlike their polystyrene counterparts, starch-based peanuts are biodegradable and dissolve when exposed to water, making them an environmentally friendlier option. They are often green or off-white and do not typically produce static cling.
Immediate and Potential Health Concerns
One immediate concern after ingesting any small object, including packing peanuts, is the risk of choking. Due to their light weight and compressible nature, they can easily become lodged in the throat, particularly in small children or pets. This can obstruct the airway and prevent proper breathing, requiring immediate intervention.
Polystyrene packing peanuts do not break down in the digestive system. While small amounts often pass through the gastrointestinal tract without issue, larger quantities can accumulate. This accumulation poses a risk of intestinal blockage or irritation, which could lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting. Although generally considered non-toxic in small ingestions, polystyrene may contain trace chemicals from manufacturing processes not intended for consumption.
Starch-based packing peanuts are generally considered non-toxic and will dissolve when they come into contact with water or stomach acids. However, they are not manufactured under food-safe conditions and are not intended for consumption. Even though they dissolve, ingesting a significant quantity can still lead to mild digestive upset, including bloating, gas, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some concerns have also been raised about compounds like acrylamide forming during the high-heat processing of starch-based peanuts, though the health implications from accidental ingestion are not fully established.
What to Do After Ingestion
After someone has ingested a packing peanut, observe them for any signs of distress. Watch for immediate symptoms such as coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, or changes in skin color. If choking or impaired breathing occurs, seek emergency medical assistance right away.
If there are no immediate signs of choking, contact a poison control center or a medical professional for guidance. They can provide recommendations based on the type and quantity ingested, as well as the individual’s age and health. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical expert, as it can cause more harm than good.
Monitor the individual closely for the next 24 to 48 hours for any developing symptoms. Look for persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, or lethargy. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly. To prevent accidental ingestion, store packing peanuts out of reach of children and pets.