What is styrene?
Styrene is an organic hydrocarbon used to manufacture rubber and plastic components. Also known as vinyl benzene, styrene is a colorless liquid that quickly evaporates when exposed to the air. Although it is an aromatic monomer with a slightly sweet smell, its odor can be unpleasant in high concentrations or when mixed with other chemicals. If its molecules become linked to form long chains of styrene, it becomes polystyrene, an aromatic polymer with thermoplastic properties. While styrene is manufactured from petroleum on a commercial scale, it also occurs naturally in certain plants, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In fact, it received its name in honor of the Styrax genus of trees that produce a sap from which benzoin resin is obtained. Its alternate name of vinyl benzene likely stems from the fact that it is synthesized from ethylbenzene, which is the product of benzene and ethylene being subjected to catalytic dehydrogenation. Styrene molecules also contain a vinyl group (
Styrene is primarily a synthetic chemical. It is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell. It often contains other chemicals that may give it a sharp, unpleasant smell. It does not readily dissolve in water. Billions of pounds are produced each year to make products such as rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, food containers, and carpet backing. Most of these products contain styrene linked together in a long chain (polystyrene) as well as unlinked styrene monomer. Low levels of styrene also occur naturally in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats. Styrene can be found in air, soil, and water after release from the manufacture, use, and disposal of styrene-based products. What happens to styrene when it enters the environment? It is quickly broken down in the air, usually within 1 to 2 days. It evaporates from shallow soils and surface water. It does not stick to soils and sediments. It is broken d
