In view of its potential health risks, Cross River House of Assembly has proposed a ban on the use of Styrofoam and foil paper for packaging food in the state.
The Lawmakers who expressed concerns over the potential health risks associated with using foil materials especially when exposed to high temperatures, called on the state government to mandate the Environmental Task Force Agency to enforce the ban.
The House had adopted the prayers of the Member representing Yala 2 State Constituency, Hon Ogiji Martins Achadu, who sponsored the motion at plenary.
In the motion, Achadu noted that, Styrofoam, a lightweight plastic material commonly used for food packaging and disposable containers is made from polystyrene, a petroleum-based product which is hazardous to health.
Achadu said, “when exposed to heat or used for food packaging, Styrofoam releases styrene, a toxic chemical that can leach into food,” maintaining that “long term exposure to styrene has been linked to neurological issues, respiratory problems and hormonal disruption.”
The Legislator also explained that, Styrofoam paper is non-biodegradable and harms both land and marine ecosystems.
“The lives of Cross Riverians are the number one priority of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, that is why we must curb anything that will negatively impact the health and environment of the citizens,” he said.
In their various comments, the Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion while raising alarms over the potential danger posed by heating food in foil paper as well as the growing issues of non-degradable waste.
They noted that some states, like Lagos, have already implemented the ban, urging the Cross River government to urgently do same.
On his part, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, thanked the sponsor of the motion as well as other members for their commitment towards improving the well-being of the citizens through people friendly legislation.