I BEG to differ with what Datuk Lim Kok Boon wrote in his letter, “Plastics not the problem, real issue lies with littering” (NST, Dec 10), in response to Lionel Perera’s earlier letter on the risks and dangers to public health from the use of styrofoam (polystyrene) plastic food boxes, containers, cups and bowls for delivery of hot foods and drinks.
Lim has presented his case mainly about polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in great detail, with special emphasis that it is safe to use PET plastic food boxes, containers, cups and bowls, bottles and plates.
However, Perera only talked about styrofoam in plastic packaging for foods and drinks but did not say anything about PET.
Though Lim’s comments were informative, they were irrelevant. He should tell the people to stop using styrofoam food boxes, containers, cups and bowls, as these are carcinogenic, and instead, to start using PET immediately.
Malaysians are still being served hot, steaming foods and piping hot drinks and soups in styrofoam food boxes, containers, cups and bowls. These containers are still commonly used in coffeeshops, food courts and eateries as well as by hawkers selling foods and drinks at roadside stalls.
Unlike PET, styrofoam is particularly unsafe when heated or used with hot liquid. In contact with heat, it will start to melt or break down, causing the chemicals — dioxin, benzene and styrene — to seep into the liquid or foods.
The chemicals found in styrofoam are possible carcinogens and, according to the International Agency on Research on Cancer and the Environmental Protection Agency, can cause a variety of cancers, such as breast and prostate.
Furthermore, styrene can mimic the properties of the female hormone, oestrogen, and cause thyroid problems as well as menstrual irregularities, among other related health problems, such as fatigue, headache, depression and kidney ailments.
Some cities in the United States, such as San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, have already banned the use of styrofoam for hot foods and drinks.
So, wake up Malaysians! Don’t tapau (take away) steaming hot foods and drinks in styrofoam containers or have food wrapped in wax-coated plastic-bonded brown paper.
The people should now be convinced that long-term use of styrofoam (polystyrene) food boxes, containers, cups and bowls is hazardous to health.
PET and styrofoam are different.
One thing for sure, it is more costly to use PET plastic food boxes, containers, cups and bowls; this may be the reason why food handlers and hawkers are reluctant to make the switch to PET.
Why not bring your own tiffin carrier the next time you tapau hot foods and refuse to be served hot drinks in a plastic cup? Also make sure hot soup is served in a ceramic bowl and not in a plastic bowl.
n Lau Bing, Subang Jaya, Selangor