Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Styrene

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Styrene, Ethyl Benzene, Phenylethylene, Styrol, Vinyl Benzene

UN Number

2055

Chemical Formula

C₆H₅CH=CH₂

Hazards

Flammable liquid and vapor, skin/eye/respiratory irritant, polymerization

PPE Considerations

SFPC with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Dry chemical, dry powder, or CO₂ extinguisher.  Keep tanks cool if exposed to fire/heat.

Decontamination

Flush skin/contact areas if exposed, soap and water

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, electrochemical sensor, 4/5-gas, IP=8.40 eV

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Colorless to yellow oily liquid with sweet odor

Vapor Pressure

~5 mmHg

Boiling Point

~293^oF

Vapor Density

~3.6

Specific Gravity

~.91

Miscibility

Moderately soluble in water

Flash Point

88^oF

LEL/UEL

~.9%/7%

Autoignition Temp

914^oF

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

700 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

100 ppm / 50 ppm/ 100 ppm

LD50

2000 mg/kg

LC50

11.7 mg/l

Radioactive (Yes/No)

No

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Exposure by all routes, liver damage

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin irritation, eye damage, chest tightness, cardiac dysrhythmias, CNS symptoms

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water

Other Information

May polymerize if heated or contaminated.  Reacts with oxidizers, catalysts, peroxides, acids, aluminum chloride.

Chemical Structure