Styrene From Polystyrene Cups May Be Genotoxic
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
The chemical styrene and its metabolite styrene-7,8-oxide cause DNA damage. An updated review of the genotoxicity evidence makes the case even stronger.
What the Review Found
A 2026 critical review in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health updated the evidence on styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide genotoxicity. The review confirms that these chemicals are genotoxic, meaning they damage DNA in ways that can lead to mutations and cancer.
Styrene-7,8-oxide is what your body converts styrene into when it tries to process it. This metabolite is even more genotoxic than styrene itself. Your liver's attempt to detoxify the chemical actually makes it worse.
Where Styrene Comes From
Polystyrene (styrofoam) cups, plates, takeout containers, and food packaging all leach styrene into food and drinks. Heat, acidity, and fat accelerate the leaching. If you're drinking hot coffee from a styrofoam cup, you're getting a dose.
What You Can Do
Stop using polystyrene food containers. Bring your own cup for coffee. Transfer takeout to glass or ceramic immediately. Avoid any food packaging made of polystyrene (recycling code #6).
Browse our non-toxic kitchen alternatives for safer food and drink containers.
Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.Source: Styrene Genotoxicity Review (2026). J Environ Sci Health C.