Styrene - C8H8
This page features information on styrene (C8H8) appropriate detection means - C8H8 gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or powered air purifying respirator with A gas filter).
Styrene (C8H8) properties
Styrene (C8H8) is used to produce plastics like polystyrene. In reaction with other monomers such as acrylonitrile and/or butadiene, it is used to synthetize rubber or latex. The pharmaceutical industry and perfumeries are using small quantities of styrene as an additive in perfumes and medicine. This substance is also used in the chemical industry as a solvent to synthetize polyester resins.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202-851-5 | 23.3 ppm | 46.6 ppm | 0.9 % | 8.4 eV | 3.6 | A |
Styrene effects on health
Styrene (C3H8) is a colorless or sometimes yellowish gas with a soft smell detectable from 0.15 ppm. This volatile organic compound is very harmful by inhalation and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes (R36/38). As it is flammable between 0.9 % and 6.8 % volume, styrene vapors can form explosive gaseous mixtures. It also features reprotoxic effects. The IARC* classified it as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (depends on WHO World Health Organization)
Styrene effects on health (C8H8)
Styrene gas detector - C8H8
Despite its detectable smell, only a styrene gas detector can accurately measure concentration levels of this gas. Although it can explode at 0.9 % volume, explosivity monitoring (in LEL) is pointless with this highly toxic gas. It is recommended to use a ppm styrene detection device or complete system.
C8H8 respiratory protection - Styrene
Styrene is irritating for the eyes, so a full face mask is recommended for short interventions or a powered air purifying respirator (more comfortable) with type A anti-gas filter. When concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, isolating respiratory equipment will be imperative.