The chemical, which is usually refrigerated, has a sweet smell in its pure form. To detect the presence of styrene in the body, doctors would use your blood, urine and tissues within a few hours of exposure to the chemical. Doctors are trying to understand the long-term effects of styrene especially on those who have inhaled the gas during the leak. It has been reported that 60-70% of the inhaled gas is rapidly absorbed by the liver and lung tissues. The FDA's data shows exposures to styrene from the use of polystyrene food packaging products remain extremely low, more than 10,000 times below the safety limit set by FDA. The leak has been plugged and NDRF teams moved into the five affected villages and have started opening the houses to find out if anyone was stranded inside. Officials said that the Covid-19 preparedness helped a lot as dozens of ambulances with oxygen cylinders and ventilators were readily available. LG Polymers Gas Leak: What Exactly Is Styrene Gas And How Harmful Is It? Lifestyle | The spread of the gas depends on wind speeds. Hundreds of people have been taken to hospital following styrene gas leak, with many complaining of difficulties breathing and a burning sensation in the eyes. A few studies also say that styrene is anticipated to be a human carcinogen. recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulates all food packaging materials, including polystyrene. However, EPA notes that there is no sufficiet evidence despite several epidemiology studies indicating there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. So far, 5,000 people have been affected by the gas and around eight people have been declared dead. Polystyrene is a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products. Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. The chemical is also used in many consumer products, including packaging materials, fiberglass, drinking cups and other food-use items. The officials stated that the leaked gas is styrene which can be toxic to the human body. Firstpost - All Rights Reserved. Click here to join our channel (@ieexplained) and stay updated with the latest. In case of a styrene gas leak, one can protect themselves in the following ways: For more information, read our article on Peripheral Neuropathy. Tax relief until June next year: should you buy a new home now? Today, on 7 May 2020, Visakhapatnam witnessed a major gas leak at LG Polymer chemical plant at 2:30 am.
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However, the most common health problems associated with exposure to styrene include: Respiratory problems such as mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation; Gastrointestinal effects; Effects on the central nervous system Styrene gas, when inhaled, can cause several symptoms such as nausea, headache, weakness, etc.
If you believe you, your child or someone you know suffers from the conditions described herein, please see your health care provider immediately. You can switch on the exhaust fans to maintain proper ventilation. COVID-19: Twitter Deletes Rajinikanth’s Post, Children's Day Special: Best Movies For Kids In Telugu, Top Children Movies In Telugu, Diwali 2020: Auspicious Time To Buy Gold Jewellery On Dhanteras, Kuber Worship Time, Virtual Diwali Gifts: Lighten Pandemic Blues With These Unusual Gifts, Diwali 2020: Puja Vidhi, Auspicious Time, How To Perform Lakshmi Puja On Amavasya, YSRCP MLA Parthasarathy Flays Chandrababu For Politicising Nandyal Issue. Politics | It is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. Bihar Election 2020: Follow NDTV for fastest election results, updates and analysis. Air quality worsens in Delhi again: What happens to your body when you breathe polluted air? For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. Break down. If you do not have a mask, you can cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/styrene_addendum.pdf, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, insulation for electrical uses (i.e., wiring and appliances), insulation for homes and other buildings, fiberglass, plastic pipes, automobile parts, drinking cups and other "food-use" items, industries using or manufacturing styrene, 0.06-4.6 parts per billion (ppb) in outdoor air. There was 1,800 tonnes of styrene stored at the plant at the time of the leak. Shut the windows. As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware, according to Chemical Safety Facts. The Earth, Space & the Human Race Podcast Ep 8: Are people in India\'s cities malnourished too? So far it is estimated that areas within a five kilometre radius have been affected. Entertainment | These clinics specialize in
The leaked gas is styrene, a colourless liquid that can evaporate easily. Key theme: spur demand rather than cash in hand, Russia warns: India-China faceoff may be misused, Actor Asif Basra found hanging at Dharamshala residence, Ludo movie review: Hijinks in the time of Corona, A woman walked, took a car and metro train to get a sick swan to a clinic, An artist in Brazil is hand painting people’s faces on to masks, D grade in UAE before touchdown in Australia, How Pakistan gamers joined hands for Kashmiri’s Indian PUBG team, Joe Biden inherits a divided nation, govt, party. Styrene is also found in air, soil and water after release from the use, manufacture and disposal of products containing the chemical compound.