Styrene Monomer

 Common Name:    Styrene Monomer 
 CAS Number:     100-42-5 
 DOT Number:     UN 2055 
 Date:           May, 1989 
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 HAZARD SUMMARY 
 *    Styrene Monomer can affect you when breathed and by passing 
      through skin. 
 *    Because this is a MUTAGEN, handle it as a possible cancer 
      causing substance WITH EXTREME CAUTION. 
 *    It may also damage the fetus. 
 *    Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Higher 
      levels can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded. and to pass 
      out. Very high levels could cause brain and liver damage, and 
      death. 
 *    Repeated exposure to lower levels can cause trouble 
      concentrating, memory problems, and affect learning ability. 
 *    It is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and a FIRE and 
      EXPLOSION HAZARD. 
 
 IDENTIFICATION 
 Styrene Monomer is a colorless oily liquid with an aromatic odor. 
 It is used in making polystyrene plastics, protective coatings, 
 polyesters, resins, and as a chemical intermediate. 
 
 REASON FOR CITATION 
 *    Styrene Monomer is on the Hazardous Substance List because it 
      is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DOT, DEP, NFPA 
      and EPA. 
 *    This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance 
      List because it is a MUTAGEN, FLAMMABLE, and REACTIVE. 
 *    Definitions are attached. 
 
 HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED 
 *    Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely 
      evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 
      1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling 
      results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing 
      any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to 
      recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with 
      you. 
 *    ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.08 ppm. 
 *    The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not 
      smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. 
 
 WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS 
 OSHA:     The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 50 
           ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 100 ppm not to 
           be exceeded during any (15 minute) work period.  
 NIOSH:    The recommended airborne exposure limit is 50 ppm 
           averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 100 ppm, not to be 
           exceeded during any 15 minute work period. 
 
 *    Styrene Monomer is a MUTAGEN. Mutagens may have a cancer risk. 
      All contact with this chemical should be reduced to the lowest 
      possible level. 
 *    The above exposure limits are for air levels only. 
 WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE 
 *    Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust 
      ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust 
      ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be 
      worn. 
 *    Wear protective work clothing. 
 *    Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Styrene Monomer 
      and at the end of the workshift. 
 *    Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In 
      addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, 
      communicate all information on the health and safety hazards 
      of Styrene Monomer to potentially exposed workers. 
 
 This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential 
 and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. 
 Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other 
 factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential 
 effects described below.  
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 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 
 
 Acute Health Effects 
 The following acute (short term) health effects may occur 
 immediately or shortly after exposure to Styrene Monomer: 
 
 *    Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Higher 
      levels can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and to pass 
      out. Very high levels could cause brain and liver damage and 
      death. 
 *    Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. 
 
 Chronic Health Effects 
 The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some 
 time after exposure to Styrene Monomer and can last for months or 
 years: 
 
 Cancer Hazard 
 *    Styrene Monomer causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes). Such 
      chemicals may have a cancer risk, and in fact, there is 
      limited evidence that it causes cancer of the lung in animals. 
 *    Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to 
      a cancer causing agent. Such substances may also have the 
      potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. 
 
 Reproductive Hazard 
 *    Styrene Monomer may damage the developing fetus. 
 *    There is limited evidence that it may decrease fertility in 
      females. 
 
 Other Long Term Effects 
 *    Repeated exposure can cause memory and concentration problems, 
      difficulty in learning, slowed reflexes, and trouble with 
      balancing. 
 *    Styrene Monomer can cause headaches, drowsiness, numbness and 
      stomach upset. 
 
 Medical Testing 
 
 For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV 
 or greater, or significant skin contact), the following is 
 recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: 
 *    Exam of the nervous system. 
 
 If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may 
 be useful: 
 *    EEG (brain wave study). 
 *    Interview for brain effects, including recent memory, mood 
      (irritability, withdrawal), concentration, headaches, malaise 
      and altered sleep patterns. Consider cerebellar, autonomic and 
      peripheral nervous system evaluation. Positive and borderline 
      individuals should be referred for neuropsychological testing. 
 
 Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present 
 symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already 
 done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. You have a 
 legal right to request copies of your medical testing under OSHA 
 1910.20. 
 
 WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES 
 Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous 
 substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of 
 reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations 
 and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical 
 release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using 
 respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the 
 controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. 
 
 In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) 
 how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is 
 released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye 
 contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly 
 toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing 
 exposures are possible. 
 
 In addition, the following controls are recommended: 
 *    Where possible, automatically pump liquid Styrene Monomer from 
      drums or other storage containers to process containers. 
 *    Before entering a confined space where Styrene Monomer is 
      present, check to make sure sufficient oxygen (19%) exists and 
      that an explosive concentration does not exist. 
 *    Specific engineering controls are recommended for this 
      chemical. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational 
      Exposure to Styrene #83 119. 
 
 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The 
 following work practices are recommended: 
 *    Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Styrene 
      Monomer should change into clean clothing promptly. 
 *    Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members 
      could be exposed. 
 *    Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals 
      who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Styrene 
      Monomer. 
 *    Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be 
      provided for emergency use. 
 *    If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower 
      facilities should be provided. 
 *    On skin contact with Styrene Monomer, immediately wash or 
      shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the work shift, 
      wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Styrene 
      Monomer, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. 
 *    Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Styrene Monomer is handled, 
      processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. 
      Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. 
 
 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 
 
 WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. 
 However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, 
 jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace 
 controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be 
 appropriate. 
 
 The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply 
 to every situation. 
 
 Clothing 
 *    Avoid skin contact with Styrene Monomer. Wear solvent 
      resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ 
      manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most 
      protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. 
 *    All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) 
      should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. 
 
 Eye Protection 
 *    Wear splash proof chemical goggles and faceshield when working 
      with liquid Styrene Monomer, unless full facepiece respiratory 
      protection is worn. 
 
 Respiratory Protection 
 IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should 
 only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into 
 account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, 
 respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 
 1910.134. 
 
 *    Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure 
      to Styrene Monomer does not occur. 
 *    Where the potential exists for exposures over 50 ppm, use a 
      MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic 
      vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained 
      from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators. 
 *    If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, 
      you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Styrene Monomer, or 
      in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye 
      irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the 
      respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the 
      filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, 
      you may need a new respirator. 
 *    Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. 
      You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, 
      or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical 
      (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. 
 *    Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a 
      MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full 
      facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a 
      full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, 
      or use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing 
      apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or 
      other positive pressure mode. 
 *    Exposure to 5,000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and 
      health. If the possibility of exposures above 5,000 ppm exists 
      use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus 
      with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other 
      positive pressure mode. 
 
 HANDLING AND STORAGE 
 *    Prior to working with Styrene Monomer you should be trained on 
      its proper handling and storage. 
 *    Styrene Monomer must be stored to avoid contact with OXIDIZING 
      AGENTS, and CATALYSTS for VINYL POLYMERIZATION such as 
      PEROXIDES, STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, and 
      NITRIC), and ALUMINUM CHLORIDES since violent reactions occur. 
 *    Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated 
      area. 
 *    Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are 
      prohibited where Styrene Monomer is handled, used, or stored. 
 *    Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more 
      of Styrene Monomer should be grounded and bonded. Drums must 
      be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, 
      and flame arresters. 
 *    Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when 
      opening and closing containers of Styrene Monomer. 
 *    Wherever Styrene Monomer is used, handled, manufactured, or 
      stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and fittings. 
 *    Styrene Monomer will corrode Copper and Copper alloy and 
      dissolve Rubber. 
 *    It must be stored with an inhibitor to prevent explosive 
      reactions. 
 
 Common Name: Styrene Monomer 
 DOT Number: UN 2055 
 DOT Emergency Guide code: 27 
 CAS Number: 100-42-5 
 
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 Hazard rating  NJ DOH        NFPA 
 FLAMMABILITY                   3  
 REACTIVITY                     2 
 ----------------------------------------  
 POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE 
 EXPLOSIVE ABOVE 150oF (65.5oC) 
 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE 
 ----------------------------------------  
 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 
 4=severe 
 
 FIRE HAZARDS 
 *    Styrene Monomer is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID. 
 *    Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. 
 *    Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. 
 *    POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE. 
 *    CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. 
 *    If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained 
      and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. 
 
 SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES 
 If Styrene Monomer is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: 
 
 *    Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of 
      spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Vapor build up may 
      cause suffocation. 
 *    Remove all ignition sources. 
 *    Ventilate area of spill or leak. 
 *    Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar 
      material and deposit in sealed containers. 
 *    Keep Styrene Monomer out of a confined space, such as a sewer, 
      because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer 
      is designed to prevent the build up of explosive 
      concentrations. 
 *    It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Styrene Monomer 
      as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program 
      for specific recommendations. 
 
 ==========================================  
 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. 
 ========================================== 
 
 FIRST AID 
 
 POISON INFORMATION 
 
 Eye Contact 
 *    Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 
      minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek 
      medical attention. 
 
 Skin Contact 
 *    Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash 
      contaminated skin with large amounts of soap and water. 
 
 Breathing 
 *    Remove the person from exposure. 
 *    Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if 
      heart action has stopped. 
 *    Transfer promptly to a medical facility. 
 
 PHYSICAL DATA 
 Vapor Pressure:     4.5 mmhg at 68oF (20oC) 
 Flash Point:           88oF (31.1oC) 
 Water Solubility:   slightly soluble 
 
 OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES 
 
 Other Names and Formulations: 
 Phenylethylene; Vinylbenzene; Annamene. 
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 Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. 
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 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 
 Right to Know Program 
 CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 
 ------------------------------------------ 
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 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 
 
 Styrene Monomer is a colorless to yellowish oily liquid.  When 
 heated, it is converted into the polymer, polystyrene, which is a 
 clear plastic with excellent insulating properties.  Styrene 
 Monomer is used to make plastics, synthetic rubber, and resins, and 
 in the production of insulators.  It may enter the environment from 
 industrial discharges, municipal waste treatment plant discharges, 
 or spills. 
 
 ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 
 
 Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or 
 fish, and death or low growth rate in plants.  Acute effects are 
 seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with 
 a toxic chemical substance. 
 
 Styrene Monomer has high acute toxicity to aquatic life.  
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- 
 term effects of styrene to plants, birds, or land animals. 
 
 CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 
 
 Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive 
 problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior.  
 Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic 
 chemical. 
 
 Styrene Monomer has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life.  
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- 
 term effects of styrene to plants, birds, or land animals. 
 
 WATER SOLUBILITY 
 
 Styrene Monomer is moderately soluble in water.  Concentrations of 
 between 1 to 1,000 milligrams will mix with a liter of water. 
 
 DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 
 
 Styrene Monomer is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of 
 less than 2 days.  The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of 
 time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded.  About 
 99% of Styrene Monomer will eventually end up in air; about 0.85% 
 will end up in water; the rest will end up in terrestrial soils and 
 aquatic sediments. 
 
 BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS 
 
 Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in 
 living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink 
 contaminated water, or eat contaminated food.  These chemicals can 
 become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals 
 and humans. 
 
 The concentration of Styrene Monomer found in fish tissues is 
 expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of 
 styrene in the water from which the fish was taken. 
 
 SUPPORT DOCUMENT:   AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.
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Last modified: 3 Mar 1996

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