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The actual first producer of Styrofoam cups is unknown, but they were licensed by the Dow Chemical Company. One design for the cup was patented by Warren R. Price and Alexander S. Houston, of the Waxed Paper Company on May 9, 1957. A major manufacturer of these cups since the late 1950's is the Dart Container Corporation of Mason, Michigan. Dart also made foam bowls beginning in 1969.

Swedish inventor Carl Georg Munters first created closed-cell polyurethane foam in the early 1930's, and the process was rediscovered in 1941 by a Dow team led by Ray McIntire. Dow acquired the patents and trademarked the name Styrofoam.

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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.


Is Styrofoam renewable or non renewable?

Styrofoam is not renewable. It is plastic, made from oil, a fossil fuel. Plastics can be recycled but recycling of domestic styrofoam is often difficult as many recycling plants will not take it.


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 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.


How does Styrofoam affect the environment?

Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, leading to litter and pollution. When Styrofoam is not properly disposed of, it can break down into smaller pieces, posing a threat to wildlife that may ingest it. Additionally, the production of Styrofoam releases harmful chemicals into the environment.