Air pollution

 Styrene

Properties of styrene is described below

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO YELLOW, OILY LIQUID.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can form explosive peroxides. The substance may polymerize due to warming, under the influence of light and on contact with many compounds such as oxygen, oxidizing agents, peroxides and strong acids with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic fumes, styrene oxide. Attacks copper and copper alloys.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 50 ppm; 213 mg/m³ STEL: 100 ppm; 426 mg/m³ (skin) (ACGIH 1993-1994).
OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm C 200 ppm 600 ppm (5-minute maximum peak in any 3 hours)
NIOSH REL: TWA 50 ppm (215 mg/m³) ST 100 ppm (425 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 700 ppm

 ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air will be reached rather slowly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Swallowing the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical pneumonitis. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation exposure may cause asthma. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. See Notes.

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For more information see website: 
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0073.html