Styrene
Synonyms & Trade Names
Ethenyl benzene, Phenylethylene, Styrene monomer, Styrol, Vinyl benzeneExposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 50 ppm (215 mg/m3) ST 100 ppm (425 mg/m3)OSHA PEL
TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 600 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 3 hours) See Appendix GPhysical Description
Colorless to yellow, oily liquid with a sweet, floral odor.Molecular Weight
104.2Boiling Point
293°FFreezing Point
-23°FSolubility
0.03%Vapor Pressure
5 mmHgIonization Potential
8.40 eVSpecific Gravity
0.91Flash Point
88°FUpper Exposive Limit
6.8%Lower Explosive Limit
0.9%Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Oxidizers, catalysts for vinyl polymers, peroxides, strong acids, aluminum chloride [Note: May polymerize if contaminated or subjected to heat. Usually contains an inhibitor such as tert-butylcatechol.]Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, nose, respiratory system; headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness, confusion, malaise (vague feeling of discomfort), drowsiness, unsteady gait; narcosis; defatting dermatitis; possible liver injury; reproductive effectsTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, reproductive systemPersonal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
NIOSH
Up to 500 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*
Up to 700 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s)
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division