Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene in … The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. Styrene gas, when inhaled, can cause several symptoms such as nausea, headache, weakness, etc. How does styrene gas affect the body? Styrene gas, when inhaled, can cause several symptoms such as nausea, headache, weakness, etc. It wouldn’t leak until a fire or explosion increased the temperature causing a gas leak. Hearing loss has been observed in animals exposed to very high concentrations of styrene. While it unclear at the moment whether the deaths are due to direct exposure to styrene gas or one of its byproducts, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Meena has maintained that the gas is “non-poisonous” and is only fatal when exposed for longer durations. Styrene can enter the environment after being released by the manufacturer in the form of a gas or liquid. It is reported as a gas leak, not fire blast, that means it was not the cause. Styrene reacts violently Styrene (C₆H₅CH=CH₂) is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell. “Most were suffering from vomiting, eye … The cases are high as the gas leak was … For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. It is liquid and has a high boiling point. The gas exposure not only attacked people who were passing the street, but it also claimed the lives of innocent animals. Styrene is primarily used in production of polystyrene plastics and resins. It has been reported that 60-70% of the inhaled gas is rapidly absorbed by the liver and lung tissues. According to the US-based Environment Protection Agency (EPA), short-term (Acute) exposure to styrene results in mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation and gastrointestinal effects apart from respiratory effects. Long-term exposure (chronic), on other hand, results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, … Styrene is highly toxic and cannot spread over 4-5 km. The gas leak has also left scores of citizens fainting and dropping unconscious on the ground. This public health statement tells you about styrene and the effects of exposure to it. The gas leak has also left scores of citizens fainting and dropping unconscious on the ground. On exposure to lig ht and air, styrene slowly undergoes polymerization and oxidation with format ion of peroxides. Acute exposure to styrene gas causes dizziness, nausea, vomiting and breathlessness. According to scientists, inhalation of styrene gas is the major route of exposure in humans. The styrene gives out irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire only. However, hundreds of people including many children were admitted to hospitals.