FEB.

27, 2013

NR # 3028

Bill banning the use of Styrofoam filed

A lawmaker is pushing for the passage of a bill banning the use of Styrofoam in fast food chains, restaurants and other food establishment. Under House Bill 6836 authored by Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (4th District, Manila), establishment owners, managers, administrators and or proprietors found to have violated the proposed act face a fine of P10,000 to P200,000. Bonoan-David said the bill prohibits the use of Styrofoam in groceries, supermarkets, public markets, restaurants, fast food chains, department stores, retail stores and other similar establishments. According to Bonoan-David, Styrofoam is equally, if not a more dangerous product to health and environment compared to plastic products or materials. Bonoan-David said the Styrofoam is a trade name for a substance more generically referred to as polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic, which is very light weight, because it was produced with 95 % air filling. Polystyrene airy composition makes it a very good insulator that is why it is used extensively in disposable coolers and disposable cups for hot drinks. However, some dangers exist in using this airy plastic, Bonoan-David said. Bonoan-David said the substance in polystyrene that generates the most concern is the styrene, the main ingredient in polystyrene, which is being used in the manufacturing of numerous other products. Styrene is a possible carcinogen, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Workers producing polystyrene and other styrene products have reported acute problems as well including headache, skin and eye irritation, breathing problems and gastrointestinal maladies. There are also some central nervous system issues that have been reported, including depression after chronic exposure to styrene, Bonoan-David said. Bonoan-David said aside from the health risks associated with the manufacturing of products that uses polystyrene, the National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research (NBSCFR) noted 57 chemical by-products released during the creation of Styrofoam. Citing data from the NBSCFR, Bonoan-David said polystyrene not only pollutes the air but also produces loads of liquid and solid waste that needs disposal. The brominated flame-retardants that are used in styrofoam are also causing concern and some research suggests that these chemicals might have negative environmental and health effects. Bonoan-David also cited the 1986 EPA report on solid waste that identified polystyrene manufacturing as the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste in the United States. It is the right of the people to have some awareness as to the effects of the use of plastic bags, the best way to eradicate Styrofoam waste is to completely ban its usage by establishments and to help save the environment, it is imperative upon the State to promote the use of any alternative to Styrofoam, Bonoan-David said. (30) sb