Vizag gas leak-styrene a toxic killer?

            VIZAG GAS LEAK-STYRENE A

                            TOXIC KILLER?      

      

 A lethal gas leakage was reported in vishakhapatnam on 7th May 2020.Eleven people including a six year old girl died and over 350 were admitted to hospitals after styrene monomer gas leaked from a chemical plant.The gas reportedly spread over a radious of about 3km which affected five villages.

       STYRENE MONOMER

Styrene also known as ethenyl benzene,vinyl benzene,phenyl ethene ia an organic compound of chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2.It is a colourless oily liquid,on aging may show yellowish colour.styrene evaporate easily and have sweet smell,but on higher concentration doesn't smell pleasant.   

     

 

     Industrial use

Manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fibre glass,rubberlatex.Also used in manufacturing of- 

• Insulation pipes
• Automobile parts
• Shoes
• Toys
• Copy machine toner  

    HEALTH EFFECTS

Styrene is mutagenic,toxic and carcinogenic.Styrene is metabolized to styrene oxide in humans by oxidation by CytochromeP450.

Acute exposure/short term exposure:tiredness,sense of inebriation,balance problems, change in colour vision,respiratory issues,eye irritation,and gastrointestinal problems.

Chronic/longterm exposure:Affect CNS.Shows symptoms such as headache,fatigue,weakness,memory dysfunctionand hearing loss.

As of now ,no studies have reported death from short- term exposure.

National Toxicology Program" reasonably anticipated styrene to be a human carcinogen".STATS author describes that "the available epidemiologic evidence doesnot support a casual relationship between styrene exposure and any type of human cancer.

    

    TREATMENT

The only treatment for styrene exposure -is to wash your skin and eyes with water.Provide breathing support in case of ingestion.It is advised to use wet clothe mask to prevent gas inhalation.