STYRENE OXIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
2 1 0	Health	1	Can cause significant irritation.
	Flammability	2	Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur.
	Instability	0	Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
	Special

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Clear colorless straw-colored liquid with a sweet pleasant odor. (NTP, 1992)

• Polymerizable

Insoluble in water.

This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include severe irritation of the skin and eyes, and skin sensitization. It can cause corrosion of tissues. Other symptoms may include burns, irritation of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, nausea, vomiting and headaches. Exposure may also cause central nervous system depression, hepatic lesions and pain to the eyes. Symptoms of exposure to a related compound include drying and cracking of the skin on contact, primary irritation to mucosal surfaces, fatigue, weakness, depression, unsteadiness, feeling of drunkenness, abnormal electroencephalograms and one case of toxic retrobulbar neuritis. Chronic exposure to a related compound has caused peripheral neuropathies (distal hypesthesia and decreased nerve conduction velocities).

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound is corrosive and can cause burns. It may be toxic by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. It is absorbed slowly through the skin. It is an irritant and, when heated to decomposition, it emits acrid fumes and toxic fumes of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. (NTP, 1992)

STYRENE OXIDE is incompatible with oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with acids and bases. Reacts with 4-(4'-nitrobenzyl)pyridine. Polymerizes exothermally and reacts vigorously with compounds possessing a labile hydrogen (e.g. alcohols and amines) in the presence of catalysts such as acids, bases and certain salts (NTP, 1992).

• Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
• Epoxides
• Polymerizable Compounds

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Dirt/Earth

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION. Then, use absorbent paper to pick up all liquid spill material. Your contaminated clothing and absorbent paper should be sealed in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with 60-70% ethanol followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under refrigerated temperatures, and protect it from moisture. Keep it away from oxidizing materials, acids and bases. (NTP, 1992)

MINIMUM PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: If Tyvek-type disposable protective clothing is not worn during handling of this chemical, wear disposable Tyvek-type sleeves taped to your gloves.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter). Splash proof safety goggles should be worn while handling this chemical. Alternatively, a full face respirator, equipped as above, may be used to provide simultaneous eye and respiratory protection. (NTP, 1992)

No information available.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.

OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

• ALPHA,BETA-EPOXYSTYRENE
• BENZENE, (EPOXYETHYL)-
• (EPOXYETHYL)BENZENE
• EPOXYETHYLBENZENE
• 1,2-EPOXYETHYLBENZENE
• EPOXYSTYRENE
• ETHANE, 1,2-EPOXY-1-PHENYL-
• NCI-C54977
• PHENETHYLENE OXIDE
• 1-PHENYL-1,2-EPOXYETHANE
• PHENYLETHYLENE OXIDE
• (.+-.)-PHENYLETHYLENE OXIDE
• PHENYLOXIRANE
• (.+-.)-PHENYLOXIRANE
• 1-PHENYLOXIRANE
• 2-PHENYLOXIRANE
• STYRENE 1',2'-OXIDE
• STYRENE 7,8-OXIDE
• STYRENE EPOXIDE
• STYRENE OXIDE
• (.+-.)-STYRENE OXIDE
• STYRENE-7,8-OXIDE
• STYRYL OXIDE