Styrene Oxide

 Common Name:    Styrene Oxide 
 CAS Number:     96-09-3 
 DOT Number:     None 
 DATE:           December, 1989 
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 HAZARD SUMMARY 
 *    Styrene Oxide can affect you when breathed in and may be 
      absorbed through the skin. 
 *    Styrene Oxide should be handled as a CARCINOGEN and a 
      TERATOGEN--HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. 
 *    Styrene Oxide can irritate the skin and eyes.  Long term 
      exposure may cause dermatitis. 
 *    Breathing Styrene Oxide can irritate the nose and throat. 
 *    Styrene Oxide  can cause headache, nausea,  vomiting, 
      dizziness, drowsiness and to pass out. 
 *    Very high levels could cause nervous system depression, liver 
      damage, anemia and may cause death. 
 
 IDENTIFICATION 
 Styrene Oxide is a colorless to straw-colored liquid.  It is used 
 as a chemical intermediate in cosmetics and in making other 
 chemicals, and as a catalyst and cross-linking agent for epoxy 
 resins. 
 
 REASON FOR CITATION 
 *    Styrene Oxide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is 
      cited by DEP, IARC, NFPA and EPA. 
 *    This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List 
      because it is a CARCINOGEN and a TERATOGEN. 
 *    Definitions are attached. 
 
 HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED 
 *    Exposure to hazardous substance should be routinely evaluated.  
      This may include collecting personal and area air samples.  
      You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer.  
      You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. 
 *    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. 
 
 WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS 
 No occupational exposure limits have been established for Styrene 
 Oxide.  This does not mean that this substance is not harmful.  
 Safe work practices should always be followed. 
 
 It should be recognized that Styrene Oxide can be absorbed through 
 your skin, thereby increasing your exposure. 
 
 *    Styrene Oxide may be a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans.  There 
      may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all 
      contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. 
 *    Styrene Oxide is a Teratogen in humans.  All contact with this 
      chemical should be reduced to the lowest possible level. 
 
 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. 
 *    A regulated, marked area should be established where Styrene 
      Oxide is handled, used, or stored. 
 *    Wear protective work clothing. 
 *    Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Styrene Oxide 
      and 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 Oxide 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. 
 ------------------------------------------- 
 
 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION 
 Acute Health Effects 
 The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur 
 immediately or shortly after exposure to Styrene Oxide: 
 
 *    Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. 
 *    Breathing Styrene Oxide can irritate the nose and throat. 
 *    Exposure to high concentrations can cause headache, nausea, 
      vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and to pass out. 
 
 Chronic Health Effects 
 The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some 
 time after exposure to Styrene Oxide and can last for months or 
 years: 
 
 Cancer Hazard 
 *    Styrene Oxide causes MUTATIONS (genetic changes).  Such 
      chemicals may have a cancer or reproductive risk. 
 *    Styrene a closely related chemical, is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN 
      in humans.  There is some evidence that Styrene causes 
      leukemia and lymphoma in humans and Styrene has been shown to 
      cause lung and stomach cancer in animals. 
 *    Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to 
      a carcinogen. 
 
 Reproductive Hazard 
 *    Styrene Oxide may be a TERATOGEN in humans since it has been  
      shown to be a teratogen in animals. 
 *    Styrene Oxide has caused CANCER in the offspring of animals 
      exposed during pregnancy. 
 
 Other Long-Term Effects 
 *    Repeated overexposure may cause drying, cracking, and rash 
      (dermatitis) of the skin. 
 *    This chemical has not been adequately evaluated to determine 
      whether brain or other nerve damage  could occur with repeated 
      exposure.  However, many solvents and other petroleum-based 
      chemicals have been shown to cause such damage.  Effects may 
      include reduced memory and concentration, personality changes 
      (withdrawal, irritability), fatigue, sleep disturbances, 
      reduced coordination, and/or effects on nerves supplying 
      internal organs (autonomic nerves) and/or nerves to the arms 
      and legs (weakness, "pins and needles"). 
 *    Styrene Oxide may damage the liver, and may cause anemia. 
 
 MEDICAL 
 
 Medical Testing 
 For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV 
 or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work 
 and at regular times after that: 
 
 *    Liver and function tests. 
 *    Complete blood count. 
 *    Interview for brain symptoms, 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 test that look for damage already 
 done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. 
 Request copies of your medical testing.  You have a legal right to 
 this information 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 control is recommended: 
 
      *    Where possible, automatically transfer Styrene Oxide from 
           drums or other storage containers to process containers. 
 
 Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures.  The 
 following work practices are recommended: 
 
      *    Workers whose  clothing has been contaminated by Styrene 
           Oxide 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 hazardous of 
           exposure to Styrene Oxide. 
      *    Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate 
           work area for emergency use. 
      *    If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency 
           shower facilities should be provided. 
      *    On skin contact with Styrene Oxide, immediately wash or 
           shower to remove the chemical.  At the end of the 
           workshift, wash any area of the body that may have 
           contacted 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine, whether or not known 
           skin contact has occurred. 
      *    Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Styrene Oxide 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 Oxide.  Wear protective 
           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 
      *    Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory 
           protection. 
 
 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 Oxide does not occur. 
      *    At any exposure level, 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 a 
           MSHA/NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus 
           with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or 
           other positive pressure mode. 
 
 Common Name:   Styrene Oxide 
 DOT Number:    None 
 DOT Emergency Guide Code:     None 
 CAS Number :   96-09-3 
 ------------------------------------------- 
 Hazard rating  NJDOH             NFPA 
 Flammability     -                 2 
 Reactivity       -                 0 
 ------------------------------------------- 
 CARCINOGEN/TERATOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE 
 CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE 
 ------------------------------------------- 
 Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 
 4=severe 
 
 FIRE HAZARDS 
 *    Styrene Oxide is a COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. 
 *    Use dry chemical, CO2, or foam extinguishers. 
 *    CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. 
 *    POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED 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 Oxide is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: 
 
 *    Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of 
      spill until clean-up is complete. 
 *    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. 
 *    It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Styrene Oxide as 
      a HAZARDOUS WASTE.  Contact your state Environmental Program 
      for specific recommendations. 
 
 ========================================= 
 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. 
 ========================================= 
 
 HANDLING AND STORAGE 
 *    Prior to working with Styrene Oxide you should be trained on 
      its proper handling and storage. 
 *    A regulated, marked area should be established where Styrene 
      Oxide is handled, used, or stored. 
 *    Styrene Oxide is not compatible with Acids and Bases, and may 
      react with OXIDERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, 
      PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES). 
 *    Avoid contact with metal ions and heating above 392 F (200 C). 
 *    Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are 
      prohibited where Styrene Oxide is used, handled, or stored in 
      a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion 
      hazard. 
 *    Store in tightly closed containers in cool, well-ventilated 
      area. 
 
 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 immediately. 
 
 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 
 Flash Point:        165 F (75 C) 
 Water Solubility:   Slightly soluble 
 
 OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES 
 
 Chemical Name: 
 Oxirane, Phenyl- 
 
 Other Names and Formulations: 
 1-Phenyl-1,2-Epoxyethane; Styrene Epoxide; Epoxystrene. 
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 Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. 
 ------------------------------------------- 
 NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 
 Right to Know Program 
 CN 368, Trenton, NJ  08625-0368 
 ------------------------------------------ 
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 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION 
 
 Styrene Oxide is a colorless liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor.  
 It may enter the environmental from industrial 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. 
 
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the acute, 
 short-term effects of Styrene Oxide to aquatic life, 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. 
 
 Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the chronic, 
 long-term effects of Styrene Oxide to aquatic life,  plants, birds, 
 or land animals. 
 WATER SOLUBILITY 
 
 Styrene Oxide is highly soluble in water.  Concentrations of  1,000 
 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. 
 
 DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT 
 
 Styrene Oxide is slightly persistent in water. with a half-life of 
 between 2 to 20 days.  The half-life of the chemical to be 
 degraded.  About 95% of Styrene Oxide will eventually end up in 
 water; the rest will end up in the air. 
 
 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 Oxide found in fish tissues is  
 expected to be about the same as the average concentrations of  
 Styrene Oxide in the same as the average concentration of 
 Styrene Oxide 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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