Vizag Gas Leak: What is Styrene gas? Symptoms, side-effects & counter-measures here

In a devastating incident on Thursday, vast amounts of toxic gas leaked from a chemical factory in Vizag owned by South Korean JV company LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam. This lethal gas, kwn as 'Styrene', has affected over hundreds in 3-mile radius that it rapidly spread to. While rescue operations in area are ongoing, and situation is being monitored, here is all you need to kw about toxic compound that has caused this incident. 

Read: Vizag Gas Leak LIVE Updates: PM Modi Speaks To Andhra CM Jagan; Calls Urgent NDMA Meeting

What is Styrene gas? 

Styrene, also kwn as enylbenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylene, is an organic compound - a derivative of benzene with  chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2. Styrene is largely colourless and has a rapid evaporation potency. It's oily in nature and can sometimes appear yellowish in colour. toxic compound produces a sweet smell, however, if present in large amounts, it produces a less pleasant odour. 

What is Styrene Gas used for?

Styrene gas is primarily used in production of polystyrene plastics and resins mainly in plastics industry and polystyrene factories. LG Polymers where Vizag gas leak took place dealt with production of such polystyrene materials including expandable polystyrene, a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products like toys and appliances.

Side-effects of Styrene gas

Styrene gas is highly toxic and is regarded as a "kwn carcigen".  U.S. Environmental Protection ncy (EPA) has described styrene to be "a suspected toxin to gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and respiratory system, among ors"

Immediate effects of inhalation of styrene gas can cause breathing difficulties, nausea and sore eyes. inhalation affects respiratory system in a matter of minutes and can cause vomiting, burning sensation and rashes on skin, unconsciousness and can even result in death in a matter of minutes.

Even  ones who man to overcome lethal exposure of Styrene may have to live with after-effects for life which include subclinical complications like colour vision loss, hearing impairments and dermatitis. 

Treatment and precautions

only way to treat  effects of gas is to wash skin and eyes with copious amounts of water and provide breathing support in case of ingestion.

After gas leak incident in Vizag, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation advised people to use a wet cloth as a mask to cover se and mouth to prevent inhalation of gas.  GVMC has also asked its officials to try to reduce impact of gas leak by spraying water. Public address systems are being used to ask people to wear masks.

Read: Vizag Gas Leak: Civic Body Tells Residents To Stay Indoors, Use Wet Cloth As Mask