Styren
Styrene is an organic compound with the formula C8H8. It is a colorless oily liquid, although aged samples can appear yellowish. Styrene is readily polymerizable, and is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. It has a characteristic sweet odor at low concentrations, but at higher concentrations the odor becomes less pleasant.
Styrene is produced industrially from ethylbenzene, which is itself produced by alkylation of benzene with ethylene. The ethylbenzene is then dehydrogenated to produce styrene.
Styrene is used primarily in the production of polystyrene plastics, which are used in a wide variety of applications, including packaging, insulation, and disposable cups. It is also used in the production of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) resin, and unsaturated polyester resins.
Exposure to styrene can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Potential health effects of styrene exposure include irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Chronic exposure to styrene may affect the central nervous system. Regulatory bodies have established exposure limits for styrene to protect workers and the general public.
Styrene is classified as a possible human carcinogen by some agencies. Research into the long-term health effects of styrene exposure is ongoing.