Day 007 - 06 Jul 94 - Page 46
1 organisations which I think some other further witnesses
can discuss.
2
Q. Stratospheric Ozone Review Group for example?
3 A. Yes, that would be a good example.
4 Q. SORG, for short. Did I understand you to say that it was
not therefore from industry scientists that you took
5 advice?
A. We did not, no, not at all.
6
Q. Now another statement "Issues surrounding polystyrene foam
7 food packaging use. The EPA national human tissue survey
for 1986 identified styrene residues in 100 per cent of
8 all samples of human fat tissue taken in 1988 in US.
Styrene is a precursor to polystyrene plastic and is a
9 contaminant in all polystyrene foam packages. Styrene is
fat soluble and potentially can be picked up in a foam
10 food package and transferred to the food." I will read
the rest of it. "Studies published by the Foundation for
11 Advancement of Science and Education determined the
styrofoam drinking cups leaks styrofoam into the liquids
12 they contain. Cups apparently lose weight during the time
they are in use, the theory being that different materials
13 cause some of the foam to dissolve into the liquid
inadvertently. Studies showed that tea with lemon
14 produced the most marked change in the weight of the foam
cup." Do you have any comments on that passage?
15 A. Yes, it is very difficult to understand what he is
trying to say since he is suggesting you drink styrofoam
16 initially. Syrofoam drinking ---- We do have experience,
your Lordship, and tea with lemon will solubilise
17 polystyrene, but the polystyrene stays whole and the cup
kind of stuck to the inner walls, but it does release some
18 of the air bubbles. It makes it kind of more liquidy-
gooey so that the air bubbles are released, but it does
19 not release any styrene that would have been referenced in
the preceding paragraph.
20
21 MR. JUSTICE BELL: What do the air bubbles consist of? What
is the gas?
22 A. There would be some left- over hydrocarbons and some
air. As the hydrocarbons escape the air comes into the
23 cells and some pressure things ---- There are pressure
things that I think one other witness could discuss better
24 than I could.
25 MR. RAMPTON: Do you know of any respectable serious scientific
research research which has shown that the drinking of
26 whatever it might be- let us call it Coca Cola or a hot
drink such as coffee from a polystyrene cup has the result
27 that styrene ends up in human tissue?
A. No, I have not seen the study ---- The study that I
28 believe they are referencing was a very small group as I
recall- some 25 samples which were by no means
29 statistically relevant. So, reflecting 100 per cent is a
dangerous statement.
30
Q. If styrene were to be found in human tissue issue what are
