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.
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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 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
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Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA
Flammability - 2
Reactivity - 0
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CARCINOGEN/TERATOGEN POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
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 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.
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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.
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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 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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