Complete data on what Styrofoam is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam

An article on it's potential risks of usage http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/11-01/styrofoam-cups-article.htm

Pros & Cons of using paper or styrofoam http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99498.htm

A picture of what we're talking about http://img.nextag.com/image/Wincup-Styrofoam-Cups-Plastic/1/000/000/185/261/18526100.jpg

Some assorted pictures of foam http://www.indexstock.com/content/topsearches/Styrofoam_photos.asp

Finally the all inclusive article http://www.dartcontainer.com/web/environ.nsf/pages/enff07.html

So as a scientist and relatively educated member of the forums here would you say foam cups are dangerous to humans?

It's a poll but feel free to discuss it if you like. Also refer to this thread for some discussion which already occured http://sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=67427

There's petroleum in the freagin' thing. :bugeye:

'nough said!

I think they have the potential to be harmful, but in normal, everyday usage, there's no danger.

I'll never forget the time I was painting a model car as a child and was using gasoline as paint thinner. I poured the gas into a styrofoam cup and sat it next to my model. As I started painting, I suddenly noted that my cup had disapeared and gasoline was all over the place!

they have a decay of 0.025% toxin such as benzene!!!!...and thats in cold water.

You can smell the aromatic molecules given off when pulling a piece of polystyrene packaging, such as the plastic wrapped around the top of Snapple bottles, until it crazes.

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M*W: I've read where any petroleum product from Saran Wrap to styrofoam plates, cups, Rubbermaid, or any plastic container become toxic once heated in the microwave. Same goes for artificial sweetners. However, regular use of styrofoam cups is sort of like ingesting it. The molecules are certain to get into one's mouth and system. I still use them rarely, but I never buy them. So if you have styrofoam cups at work to pour your coffee into, everyday, that would be a reason to bring your own mug.

they have a decay of 0.025% toxin such as benzene!!!!...and thats in cold water.

And like a rat on your sinking ship, you ran away from that thread without ever proving a SINGLE one of your claims!!!!!!

And we're STILL waiting for you to 'fess up about you lack of understanding about what the kidneys and liver do about toxins in your body - which they are eliminating and which you claim are accumulating! (Huge difference there!)

Also about the conspiracy of the styrofoam industry and other things. You've never backed up anything you said.

Back to the topic of this thread: it's harmless as long as it's used properly. And so is water. Heat the stuff to the melting point (which is stupid to do anyway) and it's quite different. By the same token, water becomes seriously dangerous if you try to breathe it.

And by the way, dragon, you never owned up to your silly mistake about confusing Arecibo with SETI either. :bugeye: Not man enough to handle your errors, eh?

I've got a foam cup right now with coffee in it :)