Content Information
Styrene
CASRN 100-42-5
Physical Properties
Pure styrene is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell. However, styrene often contains other chemicals that give it a sharp, unpleasant smell. Styrene dissolves in some liquids, but dissolves only slightly in water. Many consumer products contain styrene linked together in long chains (polystyrene). However, most of these products also contain a small amount of unlinked styrene.
Uses
Styrene is widely used to make plastics and resins. Consumer products containing styrene include packaging materials, insulation for electrical uses (i.e., wiring and appliances), insulation for homes and other buildings, fiberglass, plastic pipes, automobile parts, drinking cups and other "food-use" items, and carpet backing.
Source of Exposure in Iowa
The most likely way you can be exposed to styrene is by breathing indoor air containing it. Styrene is primarily found in the workplace, and workers in the plastics and resin industries are the most likely to be exposed to styrene. Lower levels may be found near industrial facilities or hazardous waste sites emitting styrene to outdoor air. High indoor styrene concentrations may be due to emissions from building materials, consumer products, tobacco smoke, home photocopiers and laser printers. Smokers and those eating a high proportion of foods packaged in polystyrene may also have above average exposure to styrene. Styrene is not usually found in drinking water. When it is found in water, the main source is usually industrial waste discharge from factories and coal plants. Soil may become contaminated with styrene by spills, improper waste disposal, and industrial discharges.
Health Effects from Acute or Large Exposures
Illness or injury has been reported in people, especially workers, who breathe large amounts of styrene for short periods of time. Nervous system changes were found in tests of people exposed to styrene levels at 87-376 parts per million for 1-3 hours. Nervous system problems included decreased concentration, muscle weakness, balance problems, tiredness, and nausea. Breathing styrene also irritates eyes, nose and throat. There is little or no information regarding adverse effects in humans following oral or dermal exposure to styrene. There have been no reports of death as a result of people being exposed to styrene in the workplace.
Health Effects from Smaller, Chronic Exposures
A variety of neurological effects have been observed in workers chronically exposed to styrene at levels of 6 to 93 parts per million. These effects include decreased color discrimination, hearing impairment, tiredness, slowed reaction time, and βfeeling drunk.β
The National Toxicological Program within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that styrene is reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen based upon limited evidence of carcinogenicity in individuals occupationally exposed to larger amounts of styrene.
Protection from Exposure
Proper safety equipment should be used when there is a potential to be exposed to large concentrations of styrene in the workplace. Monitoring of styrene levels in the air is needed to assure that levels are safe for people to work. Styrene is a component of tobacco smoke. Avoid smoking in enclosed spaces like inside the home or car in order to limit exposure to children and other family members. Since styrene is released from the use of home photocopiers and laser printers it is important to keep the room well ventilated. Turn off copiers and printers when not in use.
Sulfuric Acid
CASRN 7664-93-9
Physical Properties
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a clear, colorless oily liquid at room temperature. Sulfuric acid is very corrosive. Sulfuric acid has an odor threshold of 1 milligram per cubic meter of air (mg/m3) or 0.25 parts per million (ppm). Concentrated sulfuric acid can catch fire or explode when it comes in contact with many chemicals including acetone, alcohol, and many metals.
Uses
More sulfuric acid is produced in the United States than any other chemical. It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, other acids, and glue; in the purification of petroleum; in the pickling of metal; in the manufacturing of parchment paper, and in lead-acid batteries (the type commonly used in motor vehicles). It is also used in electroplating baths, in the production of rayon and film, and in small quantities as a general purpose food additive.
Source of Exposure in Iowa
The most likely place to be exposed to sulfuric acid is with a person who works in an industry that uses sulfuric acid such as in a metal plating industry or in an industry that produces lead-acid batteries. The most likely routes of exposure would be breathing in small droplets or mists that contain sulfuric acid or by touching surfaces that have been exposed to sulfuric acid. A person may also be exposed to sulfuric acid in the case of an accidental release or spill. Sometimes people can be exposed to small amounts of sulfuric acid in air due to the burning of coal, oil, or gas. Sulfuric acid is formed when some toilet bowl cleaners mix with water. Therefore, if these products touch the skin or are accidentally swallowed, a person could be exposed to sulfuric acid.
Health Effects from Acute or Large Exposures
Sulfuric acid and other acids are very corrosive and irritating and cause direct local effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts when there is direct exposure to sufficient concentrations. Breathing sulfuric acid mists can result in tooth erosion and respiratory tract irritation. Drinking concentrated sulfuric acid can cause extensive tissue damage in the mouth and throat, and it can erode a hole in the stomach; and has resulted in death. Touching sulfuric acid will burn the skin. Getting sulfuric acid in the eyes will cause them to burn and water. People have been blinded by sulfuric acid when it was thrown in their faces.
Health Effects from Smaller, Chronic Exposures
Exposure to low concentrations of sulfuric acid in the air may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, may contribute to respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and may cause a decrease in breathing capacity. It may also cause difficulty in breathing for some asthmatics. There is not enough information to classify sulfuric acid as carcinogenic.
Protection from Exposure
Proper safety equipment should be used when there is a potential to be exposed to larger concentrations of sulfuric acid. Protective gloves, safety goggles, and air respirators should be worn by individuals that need to work in an areas where there is a potential to be exposed to sulfuric acid.