Styrene monomer, safety

These results, considered in relation to the direct addition tests of monomer and hydrogen cyanide in the previous table, demonstrate that there is no reason to expect styrene monomer extraction into soft drinks, even at levels well below those we can measure analytically. They also reinforce our hydrogen cyanide data. Further, they indicate that these beverages are not more extractive of Lopac containers than the normal simulating solvents. The tests confirm the chemical safety of the containers as beverage packages. 

In a study recently carried out in Hong Kong on disposable plastic containers for take-away meals the migration of styrene oligomers, heavy metals and the overall migration from plastic containers and, where present, their lids were determined into food simulants under different test conditions. Results showed that all the disposable plastic container samples met the safety standards for heavy metals and residual styrene monomers. Hence, with the proper use of disposable plastic containers, they would be unlikely to cause a food... 

Material Safety Data Sheet Styrene Monomer, Inhibited. Depart ment of Chemistry, Iowa State University. http //avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/styrene.htm (accessed on November 15, 2005). 

Grafting of fluorinated styrene monomers such as a, yff-trifluorostyrene before proceeding to sulfonation [138]. However, such fluorinated monomers require careful handing and special set-up as well as safety procedures, which eventually introduce a tremendous additional cost to the economy of these membranes. 

Of even greater concern for the SBR manufacturers is the threat of USA legislation which could ban the use of SBR because it contains, by modern analytical techniques, measurable quantities of styrene monomer. Whilst at the time of writing, this threat appears unlikely to materialise, it is indicative of the influence that health and safety aspects now have on the chemical industries of the world. 

Vinyl acetate is a colorless, flammable Hquid having an initially pleasant odor which quickly becomes sharp and irritating. Table 1 Hsts the physical properties of the monomer. Information on properties, safety, and handling of vinyl acetate has been pubUshed (5—9). The vapor pressure, heat of vaporization, vapor heat capacity, Hquid heat capacity, Hquid density, vapor viscosity, Hquid viscosity, surface tension, vapor thermal conductivity, and Hquid thermal conductivity profile over temperature ranges have also been pubHshed (10). Table 2 (11) Hsts the solubiHty information for vinyl acetate. Unlike monomers such as styrene, vinyl acetate has a significant level of solubiHty in water which contributes to unique polymerization behavior. Vinyl acetate forms azeotropic mixtures (Table 3) (12). 

Synthetic rubber latex was made by a process with a large and hazardous inventory of butadiene and styrene. In a modified process, the reactor has an initial charge of water and emulsifier. Also, the monomers are added to the reactor as one premixed stream and the emulsified aqueous sodium persulfate is added as the other stream. The improved scheme, discussed by Englund (1991a) contains less hazardous material and at a lower, more controllable temperature. It illustrates that large and established processes may be made safer by applying inherent safety. 

OSHA PEL TWA 1 mg(Fe)/m3 ACGIH TLV TWA 1 mg(Fe)/m3 DOT CLASSIFICATION 8 Label Corrosive SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion and intravenous routes. Experimental reproductive effects. Corrosive. Probably an eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritant. Mutation data reported. Reacts with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Catalyzes potentially explosive polymerization of ethylene oxide, chlorine + monomers (e.g., styrene). Forms shock-sensitive explosive mixtures with some metals (e.g., potassium, sodium). Violent reaction with allyl chloride. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of HCl. 

The same safety procedures used for handling UP and VE resins should be used with the handling of LR additives. The polymer additives may contain residual monomer and some may come preblended with styrene for ease of mixing. Therefore, gloves and protective clothing should be worn and work done in well ventilated areas. 

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