Styrofoam Used in Microwaves

Styrofoam Defined

• Foamed polystyrene is actually 95 percent air, which makes it a super lightweight product for packaging and other manufacturing needs, but also renders it a poorly suited heat conducting material. Because foamed polystyrene maintains insulation around anything hot, but the outer layer of the foam remains warm or cool, the product is used in disposable dishes and cups. Styrofoam (foamed polystyrene) is not biodegradable or recyclable.

Short-Term Cooking in Styrofoam Containers

• Some fast food is packaged in Styrofoam cartons, boxes, trays or containers. Short-term use, about two minutes or less, of a microwave oven to reheat the food in a Styrofoam package is usually successful without damage to the Styrofoam container. When possible, it is better to remove the food from the Styrofoam packaging and place it on a microwave safe dish.

Long-Term Cooking in Styrofoam Containers

• Cooking food in Styrofoam containers for longer than two minutes will melt the container. The University of Illinois Extension expresses concern that upon prolonged heating of food in a Styrofoam container, small quantities of the chemical styrene can be absorbed by the food. Vitamin A-rich food, such as carrots, hot teas and oatmeal, increase the amount of styrene absorption. Styrene in high quantities is a neurotoxin. Styrofoam containers when microwaved for prolonged cooking times will warp, melt, possibly cause burns, scalds or chemical exposure.

Safer Alternatives to Styrofoam Containers

• Microwave ovens cook food by using electromagnetic waves, which penetrate food and liquids. The Wellness Ways Resource Book of the University of Illinois maintains that vibration of molecules around these penetration sites produce heat that cooks food. Microwaving foods and liquids is not an even process, so parts of the food may be hotter than others. The type of container used in a microwave can reduce these uneven places. Instead of Styrofoam containers strive to use glass, plastic or ceramic containers labeled: Microwave Safe. Test the safety by placing the empty dish and a glass measuring container containing 1 cup of water into the microwave. Cook the objects for one minute on high. Examine the dish. If it is cool to the touch, it is microwave safe.