Renowed family physician specialist, Dr Eno Akua Nyama, has issued a warning to the public regarding the improper use of Styrofoam, stressing its potential to cause severe health complications.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on June 21, 2025, Dr Nyama detailed how this widely patronised packaging material, especially when exposed to heat and fatty foods, can leak harmful chemicals that pose risks to human health.
According to Dr Nyama, the primary concern lies with styrene, a key component of Styrofoam (also known as expanded polystyrene).
“Styrofoam is also known as expanded polystyrene. It is made from styrene, a derivative of fossil fuels, and then chemical additives are added to it to create the package. The use of Styrofoam becomes problematic when it comes into contact with heat. I mean, when hot food is stored in it or when it’s heated in a microwave or sometimes when fatty foods are stored in it. Regarding food that is often hot, like hot teas, hot coffee, etc, when they come in contact with the styrene, it leaks into the food and eventually finds its way into our bodies after consumption.
“Animal studies have also shown that styrene is a potential human carcinogen. That means, it has the potential to cause cancers,” Dr Nyama said.
While using Styrofoam for cold food packaging may not be as immediately detrimental, the danger escalates when hot or fatty foods are introduced, or when the material is heated, such as in a microwave.
Under these conditions, styrene can leak into food and beverages, finding its way into the human body and potentially causing a range of adverse health effects.
A broad spectrum of health risks
Dr Nyama outlined a comprehensive list of potential health issues linked to styrene exposure, affecting various bodily systems:
• Cancer: Studies have identified styrene as a potential human carcinogen. Animal studies have shown links to cancers of the blood (leukemia and lymphoma), esophageal cancers, and pancreatic cancers.
• Nervous System: Styrene possesses neurotoxic properties. Short-term exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Long-term effects observed in animal studies include problems with memory and concentration, anxiety, and depression.
• Respiratory System: Inhaling styrene, whether from heating Styrofoam or from manufacturing areas, can cause irritation in the nose, throat, and eyes, potentially leading to chronic lung diseases.
• Endocrine System: Styrene has been shown to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance by blocking or mimicking hormones, specifically affecting thyroid and reproductive hormones. This can contribute to issues like infertility and, in some animal studies, has been linked to birth defects.
• Cardiovascular System: Although evidence is limited, some research suggests styrene can increase the risk of high blood pressure and fat deposition in blood vessels.
• Immune System: Styrene may suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various infections.
Dr Nyama explained that the porous nature of fats in food allows them to absorb styrene chemicals readily, facilitating their entry into the body. This makes the storage of hot or high-fat content foods in Styrofoam particularly problematic.
Recommendations for safe use and alternatives
To mitigate these risks, Dr Nyama urged consumers to adopt safer practices:
• Hot and fatty foods: Refrain from storing hot foods, hot beverages, or fatty foods in Styrofoam containers.
• No Microwaving: Never heat Styrofoam containers, even with food inside, in a microwave. Opt for microwave-safe containers with appropriate labels.
• Explore Safer Alternatives: Nyama strongly recommended the use of alternatives for food handling and packaging, including clean banana leaves, Katemfe leaves (used for waakye packaging), ceramics, paper-based packages, glass, and stainless steel, which are considered relatively safe.
Beyond immediate health concerns, Dr Nyama also highlighted the environmental impact of Styrofoam, noting its extremely slow degradation in the environment, lasting for thousands of years.
She called for improved disposal and recycling methods to address this persistent environmental challenge.
The family physician specialist’s warning serves as a crucial reminder for the public to be mindful of the materials used for food packaging and to prioritise health and safety by making informed choices.
VPO/EB
Meanwhile, catch up on the concluding part of the story of Fort William, where children were sold in exchange for kitchenware, others, below: