Vizag gas leak: What is styrene and how harmful is it

Visakhapatnam, May 7

The leakage of Styrene from LG Polymers' plant here in the wee hours of Thursday has brought focus on the nature of the gas and its effects.

Used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex, Styrene is a flammable liquid.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the US, short-term exposure to Styrene can result in respiratory problems, irritation in the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues.

Long-term exposure could drastically affect the central nervous system and lead to other related problems like peripheral neuropathy. It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases.

The symptoms, depending on the degree of exposure, include headache, hearing loss, fatigue, weakness and difficulty in concentrating.

According to AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria, “Absorption of this compound can affect the central nervous system causing headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. People become unsteady, have difficulty in walking and sometimes also can fall over.”

High exposure can lead to coma, pulmonary oedema and irregular heartbeat, he said, adding the syndrome is known as styrene sickness.

"This gas is not poisonous and hence there is nothing to worry to that extent. If inhaled in large amounts it may be fatal. Gas by itself gives you irritation and causes irritation in mucus membrane," said Director General of Police Gautam Sawang.

He said water acts as an antidote to styrene and those with exposure should douse themselves with water and drink a lot of water.

The police chief said as per their primary information, styrene is stored in a tank and a level is maintained to ensure that it does not evaporate.

"There was a neutraliser, but for some reasons it did not act. We will know the reason in the investigations," the DGP said.

Preliminary investigations by Andhra Pradesh officials said failure of refrigeration led to gasification and it spread in the villages around the plant. — Agencies

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.