If you ever take home food from a restaurant or purchased a frozen meal, chances are you have encountered a Styrofoam or similar cheap disposable storage container. While disposable food containers manufactured out of cardboard are safe, plastic and Styrofoam containers may pose some health and cancer risks.
Styrofoam Containers
Styrofoam is the brand name of polystyrene, a light plastic material made of styrene molecules frequently used to manufacture restaurant take-home boxes. It has been approved by several authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority, to be used to store and serve food. While some styrene can travel from the packaging into your food, the FDA's research shows that the amounts are extremely small. (see References 1 and 2)
Plastic Containers
Many inexpensive disposable food storage containers contain a substance called BPA, or bisphenol A. BPA is used to make polycarbonate plastics, which are used to store food. BPA is a controversial substance. According to the Mayo Clinic, the American Chemistry Council, which works with plastics manufacturers, argues that BPA is not harmful to humans. However, the National Toxicology Program and FDA share concerns that BPA can leach into food, especially when put in the microwave, causing health problems. (See References 3)
Myths and Evidence
The FDA has certified that there is no risk of cancer in connection to polystyrene containers when they are used normally. However, they can be unsafe in the microwave because the plastic can melt and warp, causing accidental burns when taken out. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence regarding plastic containers with BPA and cancer, but the FDA advises avoiding plastic containers with BPA in order to prevent any possible health risks. (See References 3)
Safety Steps
If you are concerned about disposable food containers and your risk of cancer, you can take some steps to prevent any complications. First, do not microwave disposable food containers -- whether Styrofoam or plastic -- unless they are clearly marked "microwave safe." Instead of using cheap plastic containers manufactured with BPA, use glass or heavy-duty plastic containers to store food. You can heat these safely in the microwave, without a risk of cancer. (See References 3)
