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Styrofoam can do many things to the enviroment. For one thing, it doesn't decompose until over 100 years! Also, it has many harmful chemicals that could seep into the ground.



Actually, styrofoam contains one chemical: polystyrene, which is long chains of the styrene monomer. It doesn't 'seep into the ground' at all. However that is not to say it doesn't damage the environment. Obviously it is not good to leave polystyrene lying around but it does no more harm than a plastic bottle or coke can - an eyesore maybe, but it won't leak chemicals or poison anything.

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What can Styrofoam do to the environment?

Styrofoam can negatively impact the environment because it is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. It can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, harm wildlife that mistake it for food, and contribute to pollution. Overall, Styrofoam is a significant environmental concern due to its long-lasting and hazardous properties.


Which is worse for the environment - styrofoam cups or plastic cups?

Styrofoam cups are generally worse for the environment than plastic cups because Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down. Plastic cups, while also harmful, can be recycled or reused to a certain extent, making them slightly more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam.


Is styrofoam worse for the environment than plastic?

Styrofoam is generally considered worse for the environment than plastic because it is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down, leading to long-lasting pollution. Plastic, while also harmful, can sometimes be recycled or biodegrade more quickly.


What are the environmental impacts of using styrofoam versus plastic for packaging materials?

Styrofoam and plastic both have negative environmental impacts when used as packaging materials. Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Plastic, while more versatile, also poses a threat to the environment through littering and its contribution to the global plastic waste crisis. Both materials can leach harmful chemicals into the environment and are difficult to recycle, leading to long-term environmental damage.


What is the effect of ammonia on styrofoam?

Ammonia can dissolve styrofoam by breaking down the polymer chains that make up the material. This reaction releases gas bubbles and can result in the styrofoam appearing to "melt" or break apart. It is important to handle and dispose of ammonia and styrofoam separately to prevent any unwanted reactions.

Related Questions

How many does it take for styrofoam to destroy?

Styrofoam does not naturally degrade and can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment. It is important to recycle or properly dispose of styrofoam to prevent harm to the environment.


How do you make styrofoam decompose?

Styrofoam does not easily decompose in the environment due to its chemical composition. However, there are technologies being developed that use bacteria or enzymes to break down styrofoam into more eco-friendly compounds. Recycling or proper disposal of styrofoam is important to reduce its negative impact on the environment.


How does styrofoam have an impact on the environment?

styrofoam can kill animals on earth and in the ocean. try not to use it p.s writen by 5th grader


Will soda dissolves Styrofoam?

Yes, soda can dissolve Styrofoam over time due to its acidic nature. As the soda breaks down the Styrofoam, it releases chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. It is not recommended to intentionally mix soda with Styrofoam.


What can Styrofoam do to the environment?

Styrofoam can negatively impact the environment because it is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. It can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, harm wildlife that mistake it for food, and contribute to pollution. Overall, Styrofoam is a significant environmental concern due to its long-lasting and hazardous properties.


Which is worse for the environment - styrofoam cups or plastic cups?

Styrofoam cups are generally worse for the environment than plastic cups because Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down. Plastic cups, while also harmful, can be recycled or reused to a certain extent, making them slightly more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam.


What do you get when you dissolve styrofoam in gasoline?

When you dissolve styrofoam in gasoline, the styrofoam breaks down and forms a sticky, gel-like substance. This mixture is highly flammable and should be handled with caution. Burning this mixture releases toxic fumes into the air and is harmful to the environment.


What is the best way to dispose of styrofoam in an environmentally friendly manner?

The best way to dispose of styrofoam in an environmentally friendly manner is to recycle it at a designated recycling facility that accepts styrofoam. This helps reduce waste and prevents styrofoam from ending up in landfills or oceans, where it can harm wildlife and the environment.


Does styrofoam break down?

Styrofoam plates do not decompose, This makes them unsafe for the environment. Paper or plastic plates should be used since they can be recycled.


Is melted styrofoam bad for the environment?

Styrofoam cant be recycled. Styrofoam can also cause diseases, one example is cancer. It also never degrades it will actually last longer than Lady Liberty! :(Styrofoam cant be recycled. Styrofoam can also cause diseases, one example is cancer. It also never degrades it will actually last longer than Lady Liberty! :(


Does a plastic reuse able lunch tray or a styrofoam lunch tray better for the environment?

A reusable plastic lunch tray would be better for the environment compared to a styrofoam lunch tray. Styrofoam is not recyclable in most places and takes hundreds of years to decompose. In contrast, a reusable plastic tray can be used multiple times, reducing waste and resource consumption.


Why you should band styrofoam?

Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Banning styrofoam can help reduce litter, protect ecosystems, and promote the use of more sustainable alternatives.