The Cross River House of Assembly has proposed a ban on using styrofoam and foil paper for food packaging, aiming to protect public health and the environment.
Lawmakers raised concerns on Thursday during plenary, adopting the motion sponsored by Mr Ogiji Achadu, who represents the Yala 2 State Constituency.
Achadu noted that styrofoam, a lightweight plastic used for packaging, is made from polystyrene — a petroleum-based product considered hazardous to human health.
He explained that when heated or used with food, Styrofoam releases styrene — a toxic substance that can seep into food and pose health risks.
Long-term styrene exposure, he warned, has been linked to neurological problems, respiratory conditions, and hormonal imbalances in humans.
He further stressed that Styrofoam is non-biodegradable, pollutes the environment, harms ecosystems, and poses challenges to proper waste management.
Achadu urged Governor Bassey Otu to prioritise residents’ health by addressing harmful materials that degrade environmental and public health standards.
Other lawmakers supported the motion, highlighting the risks of heating food in foil paper and the growing problem of non-degradable waste.
They cited Lagos State’s example, which has already enforced such a ban, and urged similar action in Cross River.
The lawmakers recommended empowering the Environmental Task Force Agency to implement and enforce the proposed ban effectively.
Speaker, Mr Elvert Ayambem, praised Achadu and other members for promoting legislation focused on citizens’ welfare and environmental protection.
NAN
