The commercial name for polystyrene, a widely used plastic product made from petroleum. It is famous as a material for commercial food containers and coffee cups, but it is also used extensively for insulation and other forms of packaging. Styrofoam is considered a hazardous waste product, as all other polystyrene products. This plastic has been linked to a range of health problems from allergies to cancer. The National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research observed 57 chemical by-products released during the manufacture of Styrofoam. This product also contributes significantly to liquid and solid waste.