Styrene

Synonyms & Trade Names

Ethenyl benzene, Phenylethylene, Styrene monomer, Styrol, Vinyl benzene

CAS No.

100-42-5

RTECS No.

WL3675000

DOT ID & Guide

2055 128P(inhibited)

Formula

C₆H₅CH=CH₂

Conversion

1 ppm = 4.26 mg/m³

IDLH

700 ppm
See: 100425

Exposure 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 G

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 1501 , 3800;
OSHA 9 , 89
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Colorless to yellow, oily liquid with a sweet, floral odor.

Molecular Weight

104.2

Boiling Point

293°F

Freezing Point

-23°F

Solubility

0.03%

Vapor Pressure

5 mmHg

Ionization Potential

8.40 eV

Specific Gravity

0.91

Flash Point

88°F

Upper Explosive Limit

6.8%

Lower Explosive Limit

0.9%

Class IC Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 73°F and below 100°F.

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 contact

Symptoms

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 effects

Target Organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, liver, reproductive system

Personal 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

Important additional information about respirator selection

Styrene

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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