Some food containers used in Stevenson may have an adverse effect on the consumer.

The containers used in Stevenson are made from styrene, a primarily synthetic chemical used to make products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, food containers and carpet backing, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The principal health effects due to styrene exposure include headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, malaise, difficulty concentrating and a feeling of intoxication, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s official Web site. Acute health effects of styrene are generally irritation of the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract.

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study of fat biopsies from human subjects found styrene residues in 100 percent of the samples tested.

Ralph Chaplin, director of residential dining for Housing and Dining, said styrene was not NIU’s first choice for food distribution.

“When Stevenson reopened after it was remodeled, we made service on china as the first preference, but our residents at that point and since have, through their actions, indicated that the carry-out container is their preference,” Chaplin said. “We do not make china available at Stevenson now.”

Sophomore elementary education major Gina Colonna, a Stevenson resident, believes other options should be considered.

“I’m surprised no environmental groups have said anything about it because we use so much of it,” Colonna said.

Students do have the option to choose what kind of packaging they receive their food in, Chaplin said.

“We do offer at all service areas the ability for our customer to ask for and receive their product on paper plates,” Chaplin said.

View the U.S. Department of Labor’s report on styrene at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/styrene/index.html

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