Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Emerging threat from Styrofoam

The City Corporation has finally found a long- term solution to the plastic menace that is fouling the urban environment and posing health hazards for the residents. But the local body is yet to work out a method to manage the problems caused by Styrofoam, another non-degradable material that is emerging as a new threat.

The generic term for polystyrene foam, white Styrofoam is widely used in the packaging industry. Almost all consumer white goods including TVs, computers and accessories, refrigerators, air conditioning units and audio and video equipment come packed in the material. Styrofoam is also used to make disposable coffee cups.

Civic officials admit that the increasing use of styrofoam is a problem that cannot be wished away. They, however, point out there is no immediate solution, short of a ban on its use.

The technical committee supervising the operation of the garbage treatment plant at Vilappilsala is learnt to be deliberating on ways to deal with the menace.

T. Nandakumar

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