Styrene Gas Leak
Mains-GS-3-Technology
Styrene gas leaked from a chemical factory on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.
What is styrene?
1. Styrene is an organic compound with the formula C8H8. It is a derivative of benzene (C6H6).
2. It is stored in factories as a liquid, but evaporates easily, and has to be kept at temperatures under 20°C.
Where is styrene used?
1. Styrene is the main raw material for synthesis of polystyrene, or (C8H8)n.
2. Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that is used to make parts of various appliances such as refrigerators, micro-ovens, automotive parts, and parts of electronics such as computers and to manufacture disposable cups and in food packaging.
3. Styrene is also used as an intermediate to produce copolymers, polymers derived from one or more species of monomers such as styrene.
How does exposure to styrene gas affect humans?
1. Exposure to styrene gas affects the central nervous system.
2. Breathlessness, respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, indigestion, nausea, transient loss of consciousness, unsteady gait, giddiness are caused by exposure to it.
3. In people suffering from respiratory illness such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, these conditions may get exaggerated.
4. Those suffering from diabetes or hypertension may have anxiety disorders.
5. Mucous membrane is mainly affected by exposure to styrene gas.
6. In Visakhapatnam, the styrene gas leak caused acute breathlessness leading to death of few due to asphyxiation. But as most people were exposed to the gas for a short duration, there may not be any long-term effects.
7. With long term exposure, there is a chance of developing leukaemia and headaches.
Why could it not be prevented?
1. Styrene has to be stored in gas tanks under 20°C to keep it stable.
2. The temperature has to be continuously monitored, and any exposure to light or heat may result in polymerisation.
3. Some gas accumulated at the ceiling of the storage tank and its temperature rose beyond the specified 20°C, and the styrene started vaporising and escaped. This is called auto-polymerization.
Which is the way forward?
1. Solatium payments and compensation for the victims and families
2. Access to the highest quality of health care for the victims.
3. The States have the authority under the Central government’s orders to exempt process industries.
4. Safety of industrial chemicals requires continuous watch, with no scope for waivers.
5. India needs to strengthen its approach to public and occupational safety.
6. Transparent oversight is needed to advance sustainable development by eliminating terrible mistakes.
Source: The Hindu and Indian Express
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