Thermocol dangers

The use of disposable containers made of thermocol is on the rise, being used by fast food and take-away restaurants, the hotel and catering industry, and to a lesser extent, in households. The shift from using ceramics/glass/china crockery to disposable containers seems to have happened rapidly, without taking into consideration the latter’s effect on public health and the environment. Thermocol is considered a ‘cancer suspect agent’, and could increase thyroid hormone levels. Prolonged exposure to it is considered a health risk and may affect the central nervous system. Foam food containers/disposable containers have been banned in some countries, such as the US.
Apparently the use of disposable containers has been adopted due to economic reasons. Furthermore, it has led to a reduction in breakage loss and enabled restaurants to cut down on kitchen staff. However if the cost of environmentally sound disposable waste management is also included, one wonders how economical the use of disposable items would really be. The relevant government officials and environmental protection agencies (EPAs) are requested to look into this emerging health and environmental issue in order to take necessary control measures.
Dr Mahmood A Khwaja
Islamabad