Styrene can also be formed synthetically from petroleum and natural gas byproducts. Styrene is a clear and colorless liquid that helps create strong, flexible and lightweight products, such as food containers, packaging materials, cars and boats. While trace amounts of styrene may migrate from polystyrene food containers and packaging, it does not adversely affect consumer health. The US Food and Drug Administration has deemed foam food packaging as safe for hot and cold food applications and beverages.
Expanded polystyrene is produced with blowing agents like pentane and carbon dioxide.