STYRENE 0073

April 1994
CAS No: 100-42-5 Vinylbenzene
RTECS No: WL3675000 Phenylethylene
UN No: 2055 (styrene monomer, inhibited) Ethenylbenzene
EC No: 601-026-00-0 C8H8 / C6H5CH=CH2
Molecular mass: 104.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD/ ACUTE HAZARDS/SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID/FIRE FIGHTING
EXPOSURE

FIRE Flammable. Gives off irritating or NO open flames, NO sparks, and Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon
toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. NO smoking. dioxide.

EXPLOSION Above 31
C explosive vapour/air Above 31
C use a closed system, In case of fire: keep drums, etc.,
mixtures may be formed. See ventilation, and explosion-proof cool by spraying with water.
Notes. electrical equipment. Prevent
build-up of electrostatic charges
(e.g., by grounding).

EXPOSURE AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Inhalation Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Ventilation, local exhaust, or Fresh air, rest.
Nausea. Weakness. breathing protection.

Skin Redness. Protective clothing. Remove contaminated clothes.

Rinse and then wash skin with
water and soap.

Eyes Redness. Pain. Safety goggles or eye protection in First rinse with plenty of water for
combination with breathing several minutes (remove contact
protection. lenses if easily possible), then take
to a doctor.

Ingestion Abdominal pain (further see Do not eat, drink, or smoke during Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce
Inhalation). work. Wash hands before eating. vomiting. Give plenty of water to
drink. Rest.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in Xn Symbol Airtight. Marine pollutant.
sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb R: 10-20-36/38
remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and S: (2-)23
remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into Note: D
sewer. Do NOT let this chemical enter the UN Hazard Class: 3
environment (extra personal protection: UN Pack Group: III
self-contained breathing apparatus).

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-101 Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers).
(monomer, inhibited) Cool. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized.
NFPA Code: H 2; F 3; R 2;

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International

IPCS Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
International © IPCS 1999
Programme on
Chemical Safety SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE BACK.
0073 STYRENE

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance Routes of Exposure
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW, OILY LIQUID. The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation
and through the skin.
Physical Dangers
As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be Inhalation Risk
generated. A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly
on evaporation of this substance at 20
C.
Chemical Dangers
The substance can form explosive peroxides. The substance Effects of Short-term Exposure
may polymerize due to warming, under the influence of light The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory
and on contact with many compounds such as oxygen, tract. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs
oxidizing agents, peroxides and strong acids with fire or with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. Exposure could cause
explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning lowering of consciousness.
producing toxic fumes, styrene oxide. Attacks copper and
copper alloys. Effects of Long-term or Repeated Exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
Occupational Exposure Limits Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization.
TLV: 50 ppm; 213 mg/m3 Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause
STEL: 100ppm; 426 mg/m3 (skin) (ACGIH 1993-1994). asthma. The substance may have effects on the central
nervous system. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to
humans. See Notes.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: 145
C Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20
C (air = 1): 1.02
Melting point: -30.6
C Flash point: 31
C c.c.
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9 Auto-ignition temperature: 490
C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25
C: 0.03 Explosive limits, vol% in air: 0.9-6.8
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20
C: 0.7 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 3.2
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.6

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of asthma often do not become
manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore
essential. Anyone who has shown symptoms of asthma due to this substance should avoid all further contact with this substance.
An added stabilizer or inhibitor can influence the toxicological properties of this substance, consult an expert. Check for peroxides
prior to distillation; eliminate if found. Styrene monomer vapours are uninhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame
arresters of storage tanks, resulting in blockage of vents.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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LEGAL NOTICE
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© IPCS 1999