We stiil need aggressive research on this polystyrene and food container issues. Its become global.

Environmental issues

Main article: Polystyrene § Disposal and environmental issues

Because foam takeout containers are entirely made out of polystyrene foam, these containers have an impact on the environment as they do not biodegradeeasily. However, Methanogenic consortia degrade styrene, using it as a carbon source. Pseudomonas putida can also convert styrene oil into variousbiodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates.  Some cities have gone as far as banning the use of foam take-out containers, notably San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Oregon. In 2013, the mayor of New York City proposed banning foam food containers, for both health and environmental reasons.

Health issues

It is debated whether styrene may migrate into food which is stored in foam food containers for even a small amount of time. Some researchers argue that polystyrene containers do pose a health risk,^{[9][unreliable source?]} while industry defenders argue that trace amounts of styrene are already naturally present in food. Styrene foam containers can melt if the food or liquid is of a sufficient temperature. Some containers have been tested and labelled for safe use in microwave ovens; although the absence of such labeling does not mean a container is unsafe for this use, caution should still be taken.