Styrene Vapor Research Articles

Toxicity of Styrene Vapor in Hepatocyte Monolayers at Low Oxygen Tensions

Hepatocyte monolayer cultures were exposed to 6000 ppm styrene vapor at 20%, 2%, or 1% O2 and assayed for signs of cell damage immediately following the 2-hr exposure and then 24 hr later. Oxygen concentrations were used that were previously shown to maximize lipid peroxidation and to predispose hepatocyte monolayers to chemical injury. The use of two time points allowed assessment of acute injury as well as injury that requires several hours to manifest itself. The uptake of styrene into the buffer in the culture dishes was measured by gas chromatography and was found to be 0.49, 0.68, and 0.74 mM at 15, 60, and 120 min, respectively. However, as measured by release of aspartate aminotransferase and inclusion of trypan blue, no toxicity was evident at either time point, irrespective of the oxygen concentration. This study shows that despite the weakening of hepatocyte defense mechanisms by hypoxia, styrene is not acutely toxic to these cells. Furthermore, if any damage to DNA, RNA, or the capability for protein synthesis occurs during exposure to styrene, it is insufficient to cause lysis within 24 hr.

Laser optoacoustic detection of trace concentration levels of ethylene, vinylchloride, and styrene in the atmosphere

The optoacoustic analyzer with a tunable CO2 laser source employed in the present work permits a selective determination of ethylene in trace concentrations higher than 5 ppb (=detection limit for the 10P(14) emission line of the CO2 laser, ν = 949.5 cm-1) and of vinylchloride higher than 42 ppb (= detection limit for the 10P(22) CO2 laser line, ν= 942.4 cm-1). this method covers for both compounds the concentration range corresponding to the hygienic standard. It can be also used for the determination of styrene vapour with concentrations higher than 1.5 ppm.

Oxydehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene over metal pyrophosphates: 2. Microbalance studies of carbon deposition and burnoff

A flow microbalance was used to measure the deposition of carbon from styrene and ethylbenzene and also the burnoff of carbon in oxygen in order to determine the role of carbon in the Oxydehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Small amounts of oxygen enhance the rate of carbon deposition from styrene and the rate approaches zero at a carbon loading which corresponds closely with a graphitic monolayer. On selective catalysts, carbon burns at the same rate as that of graphite, whereas on nonselective catalysts it burns significantly faster. In the presence of styrene vapor, the rate of production of carbon oxides increases with increasing carbon levels. Reaction models indicate that in the presence of styrene vapor, carbon itself does not burn readily, but it does catalyze the burning of styrene and is the actual catalyst for the Oxydehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.

ChemInform Abstract: Homogeneous Gas Phase Thermal Polymerization of Styrene

Self‐thermal initiated gas phase polymerization in styrene vapor is investigated employing the nucleation and growth of liquid monomer droplets (in supersaturated styrene vapor) for detection. The results show rather definitively that styrene does polymerize thermally, in the vapor phase, at temperatures as low as 250 K. The same is true for α‐methylstyrene which is also studied (but not so thoroughly). Phenylacetylene retards the gas phase polymerization of styrene. Polymers with degree of polymerization in the range 9 to 24 are involved in this study. The degree of polymerization increases with temperature and bimolecular termination appears to be absent. The total concentration of growing radicals is of the order of 6×103 cm−3. Thermal initiation appears to have second order kinetics. The rate constant for propagation is the same in the gas as in the liquid. At 0 °C (where we easily observe the formation of polymers), 23 million years would be required to observe the disappearance of monomer by standar...

Homogeneous gas phase thermal polymerization of styrene

Self-thermal initiated gas phase polymerization in styrene vapor is investigated employing the nucleation and growth of liquid monomer droplets (in supersaturated styrene vapor) for detection. The results show rather definitively that styrene does polymerize thermally, in the vapor phase, at temperatures as low as 250 K. The same is true for α-methylstyrene which is also studied (but not so thoroughly). Phenylacetylene retards the gas phase polymerization of styrene. Polymers with degree of polymerization in the range 9 to 24 are involved in this study. The degree of polymerization increases with temperature and bimolecular termination appears to be absent. The total concentration of growing radicals is of the order of 6×103 cm−3. Thermal initiation appears to have second order kinetics. The rate constant for propagation is the same in the gas as in the liquid. At 0 °C (where we easily observe the formation of polymers), 23 million years would be required to observe the disappearance of monomer by standard methods. This explains why gas phase polymerization of styrene has not been previously conclusively demonstrated, even at high temperatures.

Potential exposure to metal fumes, particulates, and organic vapors during radiotherapy shielding block fabrication.

The shielding-block fabrication areas of three hospitals were surveyed to assess inhalation exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), bismuth (Bi), and tin (Sn) fumes, as well as styrene and methyl chloride vapors. Area and personal breathing zone samples were collected for various steps in the block fabrication process. Only 3 of 16 air samples for metals resulted in detectable levels of Pb and/or Cd. The levels were well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits, excluding a sample which contained a visible metal fragment. Bi and Sn were not detected in any samples. Methyl chloride and styrene vapors were not detected in any air samples during foam cutting procedures. Total particulates (TP) were measurable in 11 of 17 air samples (ranging from 0.01 to 2.1 mg/m3). TP values were below the OSHA federal standard for nuisance particulates, which is 15 mg/m3. The data suggest that the materials and procedures sampled do not present an inhalation hazard to employees who construct shielding blocks. Precautions should, however, be exercised to prevent exposure under extreme procedural conditions such as soldering or overheating of alloy, and by other means such as ingestion. Care should also be taken during cleanup or housekeeping to prevent re-entrainment into the work atmosphere of mechanically generated metal particles or materials condensed within melting pots (which may be high in metal content).

Choice reaction time in workers exposed to styrene vapour.

Behavioural effects of occupational exposure to vapour from styrene-based resin were investigated in 10 female workers with a portable test of choice reaction time. Testing was carried out both at the beginning and end of the day's shift. Uptake and metabolism of styrene were assessed by monitoring post-shift urinary mandelic acid excretion rates. By using these data workers were allocated to three groups reflecting zero, low or high exposure. After exposure slowing of reaction times was found in those with the highest mandelic acid excretion rates, whereas a slight improvement or no change was found in those with low or zero exposure. Subsequent improvements in extraction and ventilation in the workroom were shown to be associated with both decreased mandelic acid excretion and absence of long reaction times in those previously most heavily exposed.

A resonance Raman study of the higher-lying electronic states of styrene vapor

Resonance Raman spectra of styrene vapor excited in the S 2 /S 3 and S 4 absorption systems are reported. The lack of double bond torsional scattering activity is taken as evidence of high barriers to rotation in all the excited states examined. Consequences for styrene photoisomerization are discussed. Excitation to S 2/S 3 is delocalized in nature, while S 4 excitation is benzene-like. The observed scattering intensities are largely in agreement with the jet absorption analysis and the results of Franck-Condon calculations.

Styrene vapor control systems in FRP yacht plants.

The production of large (greater than 25-ft) fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) yachts has presented problems of styrene exposure in excess of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure level (OSHA PEL) of 100 ppm. Also, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is currently recommending a 10-hour workshift, 40-hour workweek time weighted average (TWA) of 50 ppm for styrene. Meeting this challenge will require a system of engineering, work practice, personal protective equipment, and monitoring control measures. NIOSH has performed a study of the engineering controls in three FRP yacht plants. Work practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were also considered in the evaluation. The three systems evaluated included a dilution system, a local ventilation system, and a push-pull ventilation system. The cost of constructing and operating these systems was not evaluated in this study. Study results indicated that each type of ventilation system can meet the present PEL of 100 ppm styrene; however, it is not certain that these systems can meet a lower PEL of 50 ppm styrene.

Control of styrene vapor in a large fiberglass boat manufacturing operation.

An evaluation of a control system for worker protection from styrene vapor was performed at a manufacturer of large fiberglass reinforced plastic yachts. The manufacturing operations included five tiltable boat hull mold stations. Each station had a floor air slot located beneath the mold which was exhausting about 17 000 CFM. The building had an overall ventilation rate of 10-15 air changes per hour. An attempt was made to improve the performance of this control system by blowing air into the hull mold and by blocking air flow from the back of the mold to induce greater flow from the front of the mold. Consecutive short term breathing zone samples were collected in an effort to show the effect of different job tasks and work modes on exposures. ANOVA was performed to determine levels of significance of several variables. A significant exposure difference was found between right and left tilts of the 46-foot hull mold. The TWA styrene exposure values for the 3-day period of the 4 hull lamination workers were low, ranging from 17 ppm to 25 ppm, and demonstrating that styrene levels can be effectively controlled by means of strategically located high volume exhaust vents for the process studied.

Control of Styrene Vapor in a Large Fiberglass Boat Manufacturing Operation

Control of Styrene Vapor in a Large Fiberglass Boat Manufacturing Operation

The comparative absorption and excretion of chemical vapors by the upper, lower, and intact respiratory tract of rats

Upper respiratory tract (URT) absorption of several compounds with differing water solubilities and potentials to cause lesions of the nasal mucosa were studied in rats. Absorption of propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), PGME acetate (PGMEAc), ethyl acrylate (EA), epichlorohydrin (EPI), styrene (STY), nitroethane (NE), ethylene dibromide (EDB), and methylene chloride (MeCl 2) vapors by the isolated URT was compared to that by the isolated lower respiratory tract (LRT) and the intact animal. Nearly all PGME and PGMEAc and 30–70% of EA, EPI, STY, NE, and EDB were absorbed when passed through the URT. In general, similar levels were absorbed by both the isolated LRT and intact animal. It was estimated that intact animals received more than 90% of their total dose of PGME and PGMEAc, and 50% of EA, NE, EPI, and EDB via the URT. Further, the dosage per unit of surface area in the URT may be 5000–6000 times that of the LRT. However, the extent of URT absorption was not related to the ability to cause lesions of the nasal mucosa. Absorption of compounds by the URT was not a simple function of water solubility or of blood or water/air partitioning coefficients suggesting that a more complex mechanism for controlling absorption may exist. In one case, it was demonstrated that URT enzymatic activity could influence the absorption of certain compounds by the URT.

Exposure to styrene. Uptake, distribution, metabolism and elimination in man.

Exposure to styrene: Uptake, distribution, metabolism and elimination in man. Scand j work environ health 9 (1983) 479-488. Eight male subjects were exposed for 2 h to about 2.88 mmol/m3 (300 mg/m3) of styrene vapor during light physical exercise. The uptake of styrene averaged 4.4 mmol, or 68% of the amount supplied. The arterial blood concentration of styrene reached a relatively stable level of about 20 mumol/l after 75 min of exposure. The calculated value of blood clearance was 1.7 (SD 0.3) l/min, and the extraction ratio about 0.2. The half-time for the elimination phase was 41 (SD 7) min, and the calculated volume of distribution 99 (SD 13) l. The concentration of styrene in the subcutaneous adipose tissue was about 50 mumol/kg 30-90 min after exposure. The concentration of nonconjugated styrene glycol in blood increased linearly during exposure and was about 15% of the styrene concentration in blood at the end of exposure. It was eliminated with a half-time of 72 (SD 13) min. Within 28 h after exposure 58% of the total uptake of styrene was recovered in the urine as mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid. Their excretion half-times (0-20 h) were 3.6 (SD 0.4) and 8.8 (SD 1.3) h, respectively. Styrene-7,8-oxide was detected and quantified in blood in a complementary study.

ChemInform Abstract: TWO‐PHOTON A ← X SPECTRA OF BENZONITRILE AND STYRENE VAPORS: TESTS OF PERTURBATION RULES

Chemischer InformationsdienstVolume 14, Issue 42 Physical Organic Chemistry ChemInform Abstract: TWO-PHOTON A ← X SPECTRA OF BENZONITRILE AND STYRENE VAPORS: TESTS OF PERTURBATION RULES L. CHIA, L. CHIASearch for more papers by this authorL. GOODMAN, L. GOODMANSearch for more papers by this authorJ. G. PHILIS, J. G. PHILISSearch for more papers by this author L. CHIA, L. CHIASearch for more papers by this authorL. GOODMAN, L. GOODMANSearch for more papers by this authorJ. G. PHILIS, J. G. PHILISSearch for more papers by this author First published: October 18, 1983 https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.198342047AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume14, Issue42October 18, 1983 RelatedInformation

Cytogenetic evaluation of bone marrow cells from rats exposed to styrene vapor for one year

This report presents the cytogenetic findings in bone marrow cells of rats exposed to styrene vapor. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 0, 600 and 1000 ppm of styrene vapor by inhalation 6 hr per day, 5 days a week, for a period of one yr. Blind scoring of metaphase spreads prepared from bone marrow cells collected at the end of the last exposure revealed that neither the 600 ppm nor the 1000 ppm exposures to styrene vapor produced an incidence of chromosomal anomalies higher than those occurring spontaneously. It is interpreted that styrene is non-clastogenic within the present exposure regimen.

Cytogenetic Evaluation of Bone Marrow Cells from Rats Exposed to Styrene Vapor for One Year

Cytogenetic Evaluation of Bone Marrow Cells from Rats Exposed to Styrene Vapor for One Year

ChemInform Abstract: THE A1A′‐ X1A′ SINGLE VIBRONIC LEVEL FLUORESCENCE SPECTRUM OF STYRENE VAPOR

Chemischer InformationsdienstVolume 13, Issue 2 Physical Organic Chemistry ChemInform Abstract: THE A1A′- X1A′ SINGLE VIBRONIC LEVEL FLUORESCENCE SPECTRUM OF STYRENE VAPOR J. M. HOLLAS, J. M. HOLLASSearch for more papers by this authorT. RIDLEY, T. RIDLEYSearch for more papers by this author J. M. HOLLAS, J. M. HOLLASSearch for more papers by this authorT. RIDLEY, T. RIDLEYSearch for more papers by this author First published: January 12, 1982 https://doi.org/10.1002/chin.198202049AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume13, Issue2January 12, 1982 RelatedInformation

Recovery of vapours from solid adsorbents

Losses due to plymerization of vapours collected from the atmosphere using a solid adsobent (activated carbon), that catalyses this polymerization were examined. The losses of styrene vapour sampled on activated carbon that occur when elution is delayed were studied. Tests performed using an adsorbent treated with an inhibitor of the polymerization reaction (catechol), which is effective only when the granules remain in contact with the eluate, are described.

Behavioural and Glial Cell Effects of Inhalation Exposure to Styrene Vapour with Special Reference to Interactions of Simultaneous Peroral Ethanol Intake

Male Wistar rats were exposed to 300 p.p.m. of styrene vapour with simultaneous ethanol ingestion for 4 to 17 weeks. The effects on behaviour were analyzed after 4, 9 and 13 weeks of the experiment. The most manifest behavioural effects were found in rats exposed to the combination, and the changes included increased preening time at the 4th week and increased ambulation and rearing at the end of the exposure. The ethanol ingestion affected also the accumulation of the solvent burden by delaying the peak solvent concentration in the perirenal fat to the 8th week of exposure. The fat solvent concentration did not differ from each other in the two groups at the end of the experiment, and they were similar as compared the concentration found in phenobarbital-pretreated rats exposed for reference. The styrene exposure had almost no effects on cerebral glial cells whereas ethanol induced unexpectedly increased protein destruction in them throughout the experiment. Co-exposure to ethanol and styrene decreased the magnitude of protein destruction in the glial cells. Withdrawal of the rats after an 8-week exposure showed that the styrene effects were largely abolished in two weeks of exposure-free period as analyzed by the determination of brain RNA and acid proteinase activity. Brain RNA was lower than control after two weeks of ethanol deprivation. The present data indicate that marked metabolic interactions between ethanol and styrene take place in agreement with experience on other similar solvent combinations.

Effect of styrene and fiber glass on small airways of mice.

Three groups of 20 mice each were exposed to respirable glass fibers, to 300 ppm styrene vapor, and to glass fibers plus 300 ppm styrene. The glass fiber concentration was congruent to 1070/cm3; fiber diameters were under 3 micron and fiber lenths under 10 microns. The 5 h/d, 5 d/wk inhalation experiment lasted 6 wk. Glass fibers did not cause any lung damage when inhaled separately but combined styrene and glass fibers induced a change in the cellularity of the bronchiolar lining, where aprocrine-type cells became predominant. The same type of bronchiolar epithelial change was found in 10% of the styrene-exposed mice, while most of the styrene-exposed animals (90%) presented thickened bronchiolar walls becasue of stratification of the bronchiolar epithelium.