Any Use For Packing Polystyrene?

[Guest]

I have some polystyrene that came in a parcel the other day. The ones that are s shaped and tube shaped, some are easy to squeeze.

 

My daughter suggested I keep them and use them for art or something but I was unsure that they are ok for a 13 month and a 19 month old.

 

Ideas please.

[Guest]

we dont use them in preschool as they are a chocking hazard and dont show up on xrays i have been told. such a shame at they are great for craft.

[Guest]

Yes I have heard this so dont allow it in the nursery

[Guest]

Ok thanks. Thought this would be the case. Even if I was supervising I suppose it would be a danger that isn't worth taking.

[mundia]

must be tired, I read this as panicking polysterene and imagined all these little bits jumping up and down!

[HoneyPancakes]

I can see the problem with the choking hazard but if you assessed the risk and only brought them out for 'special' supervised time then maybe e they could still be used.

 

You could use it in adult led activity - threading with bodkin and thread. What about collage with bubble wrap and noodles? And could you use it to bulk up your potting compost?

 

Honey

[Susan]

must be tired, I read this as panicking polysterene and imagined all these little bits jumping up and down!

 

Lovely image, Mundia!

[Deb]

I looked into the use of polystyrene some time ago, contacting various agencies asking if there were anything written down as fact. Not many places had anything written down but I eventually contacted the PLA who said that they did not recommend the use of polystyrene in settings, for the reasons mentioned. Will try to do a forum search and paste a link.

[Guest]

I worked in a setting where a child stuck little bits up his nose !

[JacquieL]

Both local authorities I have recently worked in do not allow polystyrene bits or sheets to be used in schools because of the dangers of inhaling it if it disintegrates, as well as being a choking hazard. Styrene is also thought to be a carcinogen.

[Guest]

We don't use polystyrene but the cornstarch pieces often used now are great and can be bought in an expensive coloured version from ELC.

 

Years ago a little boy in my setting inserted pieces of poylstyrene in his ears (at home) They were apparently 'alien microphones!'