Unpacking the Polystyrene Problem

Is polystyrene really that bad? Is it a tool that actually allows us to save time, money and the environment or does it create microplastic mayhem, leaving a huge mess for future generations? These are the types of riddles we will unpack today, so keep reading along to understand the opinions and then science backing these claims!  

Debate style: we will first hear from the Pro-polystyrene side, take it away team! 

Team 1 – Pro Polystyrene  

Polystyrene, particularly expanded polystyrene (EPS), is highly valued in construction due to its lightweight nature, compressive strength, and thermal insulation properties. Its use as waffle pods in residential slabs reduces the volume of concrete needed, lowering both material costs and greenhouse gas emissions from cement production. EPS is resistant to pests and moisture, and durable under a range of environmental conditions, making it ideal for diverse civil engineering applications such as road embankments, bridges, and retaining walls. It also facilitates faster and more cost-effective construction due to its ease of handling and installation.  

Manufacturers argue EPS waffle pods align with sustainability goals as they are recyclable and often contain up to 50% recycled content. The production process avoids ozone-depleting substances and uses steam from recycled water, minimising its environmental footprint during manufacturing. EPS Waffle pods also improve energy efficiency in buildings by enhancing insulation, potentially reducing electricity bills over the building’s lifespan. Compliance with Australian standards (AS 2870) for structural integrity further strengthens their case as a safe, regulated material for construction. 

EPS geofoam has been successfully implemented worldwide in pavement and road construction projects, especially in regions with poor soil conditions or seismic activity. It’s extremely low density (approximately 1/100th of conventional fill materials) mitigates settlement issues and reduces lateral pressures on retaining structures. Case studies from Norway, Japan, and the United States demonstrate significant cost savings and improved infrastructure performance when EPS is used as lightweight fill (Mohajerani et al., 2017).   

Thank you, Team 1 for your answer, it seems there are situations where polystyrene may have its benefits it due to it’s lightweight nature to it’s lightweight nature which can help in areas with seismic activity!  

Now it is time for the Con team to respond, what do you have to say Team 2? 

Team 2 – Con-Polystyrene  

Despite its engineering advantages, EPS presents major environmental challenges. Once fragmented, polystyrene persists in ecosystems for centuries and breaks down into microplastics and nanoplastics that are nearly impossible to recover. These particles are routinely found in waterways, soil, and even air, with Seabin data showing microfoam fragments as one of the most common pollutants collected from marine environments from Sydney Harbour Seabin devices (2024). Concerns have also been raised about the tendency of EPS waffle pods to break apart during construction and contribute to local litter and stormwater pollution (ABC News, 2020).  

Health implications of polystyrene are increasingly under scrutiny. The World Health Organization (WHO) states styrene, the monomer used in polystyrene production, has an association with the occurrence of leukaemia and lymphoma in humans (WHO, 2003). Studies have found polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics in drinking water, food, and human stools, suggesting widespread exposure. Research indicates these particles can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of gut microbiota, raising concerns over potential long-term impacts on human gastrointestinal and reproductive health (Bhandare, 2024; Ma et al., 2022).  

Recycling rates for EPS remain low (around 20% in Australia), and its lightweight nature makes it prone to escaping waste management systems. Foam bans for food packaging in many countries underscore the difficulty of handling EPS responsibly. Additionally, improper use or poor site management during construction has been linked to widespread littering of EPS waffle pod fragments in residential areas and waterways, prompting local councils and environmental groups to call for stronger regulations or alternative materials (Sustainability Victoria, 2020; ABC News, 2022). It is also important to note that while some manufacturers claim EPS is environmentally friendly, most EPS and polystyrene in general are made from crude oil, a fossil fuel!  

Okay, thank you, Team 2. That was a really well-rounded debate. But before you guys reading make up your mind, let’s hear a bit about the peer-reviewed scientific research surrounding polystyrene. 

To fully understand the truth, we need to look at the scientific research.  

Scientific studies provide a nuanced view of polystyrene’s impacts. A 2022 in vitro study on digested polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) found minimal acute toxicity in human intestinal cells but observed size-dependent effects, including elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in normal colon cells, which may indicate subtle stress responses (Ma et al., 2022). While no immediate cytotoxicity was detected, researchers caution that chronic exposure and accumulation effects require further investigation.  

Other studies highlight the ability of nanoplastics (<1 µm) to penetrate cellular barriers and disrupt normal function. Research on human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells found that polystyrene nanoparticles could alter cell viability, compromise gut barrier integrity, and interact with nutrient absorption pathways (Bhandare, 2024). Animal studies suggest reproductive toxicity from prolonged microplastic ingestion, with evidence of hormonal disruption and testicular damage in mice exposed to PS-MPs (Bhandare, 2024).  

Environmental assessments reveal EPS’s high potential to fragment into microplastics during use and after disposal. Even when EPS is marketed as 100% recyclable, logistical challenges and contamination often lead to landfilling or mismanagement. Studies recommend prioritising encapsulated foam designs or replacing EPS with biodegradable or non-foam alternatives to minimise its environmental persistence (Sustainability Victoria, 2020).  

Now it is time for you, the reader, to form your position on this debate! Let your government representatives know, too, by sending them an email. Thank you for reading along! 

Want to know where we got our information? These are our resources below. Remember to always do your own research and that reading peer-reviewed scientific papers is the best way to stay up to date! 

ABC News. (2020, December 7). ‘A lot of rubbish’: Polystyrene waffle pods found polluting suburbs, prompting calls for a rethink. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-07/waffle-pod-polystyrene-pollution/12954296  

ABC News. (2022, December 26). Greens question waffle pod manufacturing grant as polystyrene pollution concerns grow. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-26/greens-question-waffle-pod-manufacturing-grant/101782828    

Mohajerani, A., Ashdown, M., Abdihashi, L., & Nazem, M. (2017). Expanded polystyrene geofoam in pavement construction. Construction and Building Materials, 157, 438–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.09.085   

Bhandare, S. D. (2024). Exploring the impact of polystyrene microplastics on human health: Unravelling cytotoxicity, reproductive health, and exposure risks. Toxicology Research, 13(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxres/tfae063  

Ma, Y., Koh, J. Y. C., Lim, H. K., Shi, P., & Tay, C. Y. (2022). Elucidating the size-dependency of in vitro digested polystyrene microplastics on human intestinal cells’ health and function. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 223(13), 2100454. https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.202100454  

Sustainability Victoria. (2020). Feasibility study of alternatives to expanded polystyrene waffle pods used in residential construction: City of Casey. https://assets.sustainability.vic.gov.au/susvic/Feasibility-study-of-alternatives-to-expanded-polystyrene-waffle-pods-used-in-residential-construction_City-of-Casey.pdf  

World Health Organisation. (2003). Styrene in Drinking-water Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/styrene.pdf?sfvrsn=1297d2bf_4 

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