Volatile organic compounds in polystyrene food containers and polystyrene cups were determined using direct headspace sampling with gas chromatographic and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis. Compounds which were detected in polystyrene food containers and cups included 2-methy 1-2-propen-1-ol, ethylbenzene, styrene, β-methylstyrene, and trimethy 1- and tetramethylbenzenes. Individual concentrations of these impurities in the polymeric materials were estimated as 5 to 270 μg/g. Several impurities including styrene were extracted into water at 88 to 93°C within 2 to 3 minutes upon contact. VAriations in aqueous concentrations of styrene as a function of time in contact with polystyrene cups are reported here. Maximum concentrations of styrene in hot water were 35 μg/L after 15 to 20 minutes of contact of water with cups.