Styrene (Phenylethylene, Vinylbenzene), Dangerous Substances in Industry, Organic Substances.
Source
Khimiya, Handbook for Chemists, Engineers and Physicians, Leningrad, Russia, 1971:6 pages
Abstract
Physical, chemical, and toxic properties of styrene (phenylethylene, vinyl benzene) are reviewed, with description of acute effects in animals and humans. In white mice, sluggishness, and lacrimation occur with 3 milligrams per liter (4-hour exposure), and abrupt reddening of the eyes, ears, and tail with 5 milligrams per liter. For man, the threshold of sensing the odor is 0.02 milligram per liter, at which concentration slight irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat takes place in 10-30 seconds. Effects of higher concentrations include muscular weakness, unsteadiness, and inertia, weight loss, dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritations, palpitations, dyspnea with physical exertion, nausea, unpleasant taste in the mouth after the work day. Styrene also produces dryness of the skin, intumescence and fissures, and dermatitis. Preventive step suggested is hermetic sealing of technological processes. (Russian; English translation available)
Keywords
Aromatic-hydrocarbons; Pyrolysis-intermediates; Skin-disorders; Toxic-substances; Eye-irritation; Chemical-irritants; Threshold-limits; Respiratory-system-disorders; Nervous-system-disorders; Preventive-measures;
Priority Area
Respiratory-system-disorders
Source Name
Khimiya, Handbook for Chemists, Engineers and Physicians, Leningrad, Russia, 6 pages, 24 references