Styrene Safety Concerns

Styrene is mildly toxic and inflammable, and it can polymerize violently under specific
conditions. However, none of the hazard associate with styrene is severe, and it is considered a
relatively safe organic chemical when handled according to appropriate safe guards.

Styrene monomer is flammable and can form explosive mixture with air at atmospheric
ambient condition. It is generally suggested to store & handle styrene below or at atmospheric
temp.

Polymerization of styrene is an exothermic reaction and proceeds slowly at room temperature.

Thus, there is potential for a runaway polymerization reaction, which may result in an
accelerating evolution of styrene vapour that may cause fire or rupture in the confining vessel.
The polymerization reaction is generally prevented by adding 4-tert-butylcatechol (TBC), TBC is
a free radical inhibitor which requires oxygen to prevent premature polymerization during
storage and transport.

Effective inhibition of polymerization by TBC occurs in presence of dissolved oxygen, and so

storage in an atmosphere-permeable tank is preferred, where inert gas blanketing of the stored
material is to be done. Periodic air addition is recommended to maintain the presence of
dissolved oxygen.

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For the areas, where, average temperature is over 27 C, additional refrigeration is required.

Environmental Aspects of Styrene

Exposure to high levels of Styrene may have moderately toxic effects to wildlife, particularly
aquatic organisms. At levels normally found in the environment it is unlikely to cause significant
harm. From surface waters or soils it evaporates fairly easily into the atmosphere, where it is
broken down within a few days. That which remains in soils or waters is broken down within
days by bacteria. Some seepage to groundwaters may occur where Styrene may persist for
weeks or months. However, this is minimal as it is quickly broken down in or evaporated from
soils and surface waters. Styrene does not accumulate in the environment. As a VOC, Styrene
may be involved in the formation of ground level ozone, which can damage crops and
materials. It is not considered likely that Styrene pollution has any effects on the global
environment.

Works Cited
Scottish Enviroment Protection Agency. Ssottish pollutant release inventory - Styrene.

Zulazreen, M. Styrene Methods of Production. Scribd.