system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Styrofoam is a petroleum product. Cups are made of styrofoam. How does putting piping hot liquids (such as coffee) in to a petroleum product remain safe for human use?

I imagine over time the chemicals that are released from the hot liquids would build up in your body and cause things like cancer.
gpt
The molecules in styrofoam are very stable (at room temperature, don't microwave styrofoam). Pieces don't break off and get into the liquid in your cup. Also just because something is a "petroleum product" doesn't mean it's as toxic as petroleum. The properties of a substance changes drastically when formed into different molecules, such as the classic example NaCl.  Na is a highly reactive metal. Cl is a deadly gas. Together they make table salt.