Is styrene a hazardous substance?
Health effects of styrene include irritation of the skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract. Acute exposure may also result in gastrointestinal effects.
Is styrene toxic to inhale?
Summary of Health Effects Styrene is readily absorbed and can result in toxicity following inhalation and dermal exposure [1-3]. Although no cases of styrene ingestion have been reported in humans, it is expected to give rise to systemic toxicity, similar to that seen following inhalation [1, 2].
What is styrene monomer used for?
Styrene Monomer is a clear, colorless to yellow, oily liquid, with a sweet odor at low concentrations. It is used to make plastics, paints, synthetic rubbers, protective coatings, and resins.
What is styrene used for?
Styrene is a chemical used to make latex, synthetic rubber, and polystyrene resins. These resins are used to make plastic packaging, disposable cups and containers, insulation, and other products. Styrene is also produced naturally in some plants. People may be exposed to styrene by breathing it in the air.
Why is styrene toxic?
Styrene is extensively metabolized by the body enzymes into other chemicals that are excreted through urine. Metabolic action is required for carcinogenicity and toxicity. In the photo below, the metabolites from styrene bond to the DNA base guanine and cause carcinogenic effects.
What is the danger of styrene?
Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy.
Is styrene a known carcinogen?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists styrene as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that styrene is a possible human carcinogen.
Is styrene cancerous?
How do you make a styrene monomer?
Styrene monomer is a basic building block of the plastics industry. The conventional method of producing styrene involves the alkylation of benzene with ethylene to produce ethylbenzene, followed by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene.
Is styrene plastic safe?
The result of these evaluations: FDA for decades has determined that polystyrene is safe for use in contact with food. In addition, FDA has approved styrene as a food additive – it can be added in small amounts to baked goods, frozen dairy products, candy, gelatins, puddings and other food.
