Styrene
• Styrene is an organic compound with the formula C8H8.
• It is a derivative of benzene(C6H6).
• It is stored in factories as liquid, but evaporates easily. That is why it has to be kept at temperatures under 20°C.
• It is used as raw material for synthesis of polystyrene.
• Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that is used to make parts of various appliances such as refrigerators or micro-ovens; automotive parts; parts of electronics and also to manufacture disposable cups and food packaging.
• Exposure to styrene gas affects the central nervous system. Breathlessness, respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, indigestion, nausea, transient loss of consciousness, unsteady gait, giddiness are caused by exposure to it.
• Mucous membrane is also mainly affected by exposure to styrene case.
• This gas was recently leaked from a storage tank of LG Chempolymers which is a South Korean undertaking.
• The temperature has to be continuously monitored and any exposure to light or heat may result in polymerisation. If temperature rises, inhibitors have to be added to keep the styrene stable. At LG Chem, an inhibitor tank is attached to the styrene storage tank but it failed to stabilise in time.
• It is thought that some gas accumulated at the ceiling of the storage tank and its temperature rose beyond the specified 20°C, and styrene started vaporisingand escaped. This is called auto-polymerisation.
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