Styrene Information - Kenway Corporation

Kenway Corporation is a manufacturer of corrosion resistant FRP pipes, flanges, elbows, tanks, hoods, ventilation ducts and certain molded products. Vinylester and polyester resin are used with C-glass reinforcement. Field service of all FRP products is available including vinylester, polyester, epoxy linings and floor topping.

The odor commonly associated with fiberglass products, especially during manufacturing or assembly, is the styrene monomer that is added to the resin system. The following documents and websites will answer many of your questions or concerns about styrene.

FACTS ABOUT STYRENE

The Styrene Information and Research Center has found that styrene has been found in 8 of 12 selected food types, including cinnamon, beef, coffee beans, etc. Results indicate styrene may be a natural component of many foods.

OSHA established a safe exposure standard of 50 ppm over an 8-hour day. "Typically, the actual exposure levels in styrene manufacturing plants are 20 to 50 times below this safety level."1 The new 8-hour exposure limit is 100 ppm.

The LEL (Lower Explosion Limit) for styrene vapor in air is 11,000 ppm. This level is 110 times higher than the PEL(Personal Exposure Limit).

"During some tests conducted by the Oregon Reinforced Plastics Association.it was determined that, in a sealed room, with no ventilation, continuous spray application of polyester resin was able to achieve a maximum concentration of styrene vapor of between 225 and 690 ppm. At no time were they able to obtain readings of higher than 690 ppm."²

Detection for styrene odors in most people is 0.25 ppm but for some it can be as low as 0.1 ppm.

1 Answers to Common Questions About Styrene, Styrene Information and Research Center, pamphlet.

2 Information provided by Composites Fabricators Association.

STYRENE & CHLORINE DIOXIDE

When Styrene and Chlorine or Chlorine Dioxide are present they form the Ortho-Chloro styrene molecule. The molecule hydrolyzes into Hydrochloric Acid. The trace HCl is a lacrylater and when it comes in contact with the eye makes tears. This formula is similar to what is used in "tear gas". Reportedly there are no adverse affects from exposure to this chemical, though the unpleasant results of the combination should be made known and avoided when possible.

LINKS

Concerns about the Health Impacts of Styrene (Harvard Study)

Styrene Information and Resource Center: http://www.styrene.org/

Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.styrene.org/faqs.html