On July 28, 2014 the U.S. National Academies of Sciences published a press release reporting that the U.S. National Research Council confirmed styrene’s listing as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”. Chair of the panel Jane Henney pointed out that a hazard assessment, not a full risk assessment, was carried out. The conclusion on styrene  formed part of the National Toxicology Program’s 12th Report on Carcinogens (RoC). The panel states that there is limited but credible evidence in humans, sufficient evidence in animals and convincing relevant information from mechanistic studies for styrene’s carcinogenicity. Styrene is also used in food contact packaging, including the packaging of dairy products, ice cream, meat and fruits. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) responded to the publication in a press release stressing that styrene and polystyrene, which is a polymer made from styrene, are two different substances. The ACC further states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to consider polystyrene safe for food contact.

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National Research Council (July 28, 2014). “Styrene reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, new report confirms.

ACC (July 29, 2014). “American Chemistry Council highlights polystyrene foodservice packaging safety information.

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