Styrene / C₈H₈
Gas Identification
Chemical properties
Physical properties
Flammability limit
Threshold limit value
Styrene : Description and use
Styrene is an aromatic organic compound. It is used to manufacture plastics, most notably polystyrene. It is naturally present in small quantities in some plants and can be industrially obtained from oil.
Low concentrations of styrene can be found in fruit, vegetables and meat but also in cigarette smoke.
Styrene is an oily, colourless chemical compound which is both toxic and flammable.
- Polystyrenes
- Copolymers: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS)
- Styrene-butadiene synthetic rubbers (SBR)
- Unsaturated polyesters and reinforced unsaturated polyesters (for example in glass fibres or in GRPs)
Styrene : Warnings and caution
H226 - Flammable liquid and vapour.
H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.
H315 - Causes skin irritation.
H361d - Suspected of damaging the unborn child
H372 - Causes serious damage to organs (hearing system)
P210 - Keep away from heat.
P302 + P352 - IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P305 + P351 + P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P314 - Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
Styrene : Related products