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
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POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
EXPLOSIVE ABOVE 150oF (65.5oC)
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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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.
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FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
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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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