Styrene gas’s effects on the brain include a feeling of drunkenness, changes in colour vision, tiredness, confusion, and problems maintaining balance. This caused pressure to build up in the storage chamber and led the valve to break, resulting in the gas leakage. The effects of Styrene on health can be very severe. Sudden and short-term exposure to styrene gas causes damage to mucous membranes, irritation in eyes and some adverse gastrointestinal effects. * The moderation of comments is automated and not cleared manually by, Copyright © 2021 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved. In the long-term, survivors of styrene gas exposure may face reproductive and developmental problems. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South Korean electronics giant LG. The spread of the gas depends on wind speeds. This volatile organic compound is very harmful by inhalation and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes (R36/38). A statement from LG Polymers said that stagnation and changes in temperature inside the storage tank could have resulted in auto polymerization and could have caused vapourisation. Tech |. Topics Covered: Disaster and disaster management. It can react with the oxygen and form styrene dioxide which is very lethal. The gas leak has also left scores of citizens fainting and dropping unconscious on the ground. If a person inhales styrene, it can have an adverse impact on the nervous system, … Styrene (C3H8) is a colorless or sometimes yellowish gas with a soft smell detectable from 0.15 ppm. The problem began as a result of styrene gas not being stored at the appropriate temperature. Explained: What is Styrene Gas, at the centre of Vizag tragedy A leakage of Styrene gas has already killed 8 people in Visakhapatnam while over a thousand others have been hospitalized. New Rules From January 01 2021, Find Out More, Christmas 2020: Delectable Vegetarian Rum And Raisin Cake Recipe, How To Prepare For NDA Exam 2021: Top 4 NDA Academy in India, AP Govt To Achieve Uninterrupted Power Supply To Farmer With Solar Power. Hours after the styrene gas leak around 2:30 am on May 7 (Thursday) from the multinational LG Polymers Plant at RR Venkatapuram village, people were seen lying unconscious on sidewalks, near ditches and on the road, raising fears of a major industrial disaster. LG Polymers Gas Leak: What Exactly Is Styrene Gas And How Harmful Is It? Lifestyle | It occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and beverages. What to study? Styrene is a colorless liquid gas that evaporates easily. As it is flammable between 0.9 % and 6.8 % volume, styrene vapors can form explosive gaseous mixtures.It also features reprotoxic effects. It is likely that children would have the same health effects as adults. Neutralising Styrene gas to take more time: The high-powered committee will inquire into the causes of the leakage, including possible lapses in the plant’s adherence to safety protocols; it will study the long-term effects of the gas leakage on the surrounding villages, if any and recommend action to be taken against the company if negligence is found. Also Read: Vizag Gas Leak Tragedy Kills Several Animals, News | Short term exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane irritation and eye irritation and gastrointestinal effects. “Breathlessness, respiratory problems, irritation in eyes, indigestion, nausea, transient loss of consciousness, unsteady gait, giddiness are caused by exposure to it. It is widely used to make plastics and rubber. Styrene gas when inhaled can cause several symptoms such as nausea headache weakness etc. For all the latest Explained News, download Indian Express App. The styrene vapour spread to nearby villages and left the unsuspecting people suffering while fast asleep. Officials said they immediately began making announcements over speakers but many were feared to have already become unconscious as police had to break open doors to shift people. Powered by It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases. Styrene effects on health. The styrene gas is heavier than air and comes down on spraying of water, and remains in the atmosphere for seven to eight hours. Animal studies, according to the EPA, have reported effects on the CNS, liver, kidney, and eye and nasal irritation from inhalation exposure to styrene. Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. And long-term exposure could drastically affect the central nervous system and lead to other related problems like peripheral neuropathy. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South Korean electronics giant LG, located at RRV Puram near Gopalapatnam, about 15 kms from the coast city. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines. 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. Eight people, including a child, have died and several people have fallen ill after styrene gas leaked in the wee hours of Thursday from LG Polymers, a chemical plant facility located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Styrene gas can be quickly spread in the air and it is harmful to living beings. Sports | Visakhapatnam gas leak: What is styrene gas? Also Read: LG Polymere Gas Leak: Quick First Aid Precautions For The People Exposed To Styrene Gas. 12 people have lost their lives and more than 200 have been admitted to the hospitals following the leak of styrene gas from the facility. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South … Styrene gas exposure: What symptoms can first occur? Styrene is highly flammable and releases a poisonous gas when burnt. Yodasoft Technologies Pvt Ltd. Amaravati: The revolutionary decision taken by the State Government to provide continuous power supply on permanent basis is on course of becoming successful as rapid steps are being taken in that direction. While six died due to prolonged exposure to the gas, another two died while trying to escape from the leak. Thaman’s Latest Disclosure On ‘Butta Bomma’ Will Surpise You! Meanwhile, Amit Shah termed the gas leak as disturbing. Also, the container that was being used to store styrene gas … As per the US-based Environment Protection Agency (EPA), short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory problems, irritation in the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues. Autopsies should tell us more. We will observe the facility for another four hours and give an all clear after a thorough inspection,’’ an official said. • A gas leak has claimed at least eight lives and affected thousands of residents in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The leak occurred in the early morning hours while workers were preparing to reopen the plant, which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Styrene is a flammable liquid that is used to make polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. Exposure to styrene gas affects the central nervous system, said Dr K Vijay Kumar, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Andhra Medical College. A gas leak has claimed at least 11 lives and affected thousands of residents in five villages in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Vizag gas leak: What is styrene gas? What happens when exposed to styrene? Styrene gas, when inhaled, can cause several symptoms such as nausea, headache, weakness, etc. Exposures to styrene in humans can cause a respiration problem. However, hundreds of people including many children were admitted to hospitals. Visakhapatnam, May 7 The leakage of Styrene from LG Polymers' plant here in the wee hours of Thursday has brought focus on the nature of the gas and its effects. According to the studies, the long-term exposure to styrene gas can cause severe brain damage resulting in symptoms like headache, depression, delayed reaction time, reduced memory, slowed visuomotor speed (ability to integrate hands and eyes to complete a task) and reduced intellectual ability. What happens if someone is exposed to styrene gas? On 7 May 2020, a gas, reported to be styrene, leaked from a tank at the LG Chem (LG Polymers India Private Limited) plant at RR Venkatapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andra Pradesh, India. It is also regarded as hazardous and carcinogen. There was 1,800 tonnes of styrene stored at the plant at the time of the leak. A few studies also say that styrene is anticipated to be a human carcinogen. 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. 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The Indian Express is now on Telegram. During exposure to styrene gas, a person can feel symptoms like headache, loss in hearing, … For Prelims and Mains: Leaked gas, effects and the reasons for leakage. Entertainment | A gas leak, reminiscent of the 1984 Bhopal tragedy, has claimed at least 11 lives and affected thousands of residents in five villages in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Photos | “We are investigating the incident. Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in health issues such as headache, fatigue, weakness, depression, CSN dysfunction and loss of hearing and balance besides concentration problems. Vizag gas leak tragedy: Industry experts can't believe Styrene gas alone travels long, kills people You are in an offline mode By P Pavan P Pavan / Updated: May 8, 2020, 09:03 IST He said chronic (long-term) exposure to … Used in the manufacturing of polysty "The leakage was found to be styrene, a compound which had "become air" (evaporated) and leaked," GVMC Commissioner Srijana Gummalla told TNM. Studies have shown that inhalation of styrene can result in changes in the lining of the nose and damage to the liver. Acute exposure to styrene gas causes respiratory and neurological symptoms and is lethal in extremely high doses. The source of the leak was a styrene plant owned by South Korean electronics giant LG, located at RRV Puram near Gopalapatnam, about 15 km from the coastal city. While it unclear at the moment whether the deaths are due to direct exposure to styrene gas or one of its byproducts, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Meena has maintained that the gas is “non-poisonous” and is only fatal when exposed for longer durations. A styrene gas leak in the early hours of May 7, 2020 in Andhra Pradesh's Vizag (Vishakhapatnam) has affected over 5000 people and atleast ten people are reported to have died and over 300 hospitalised. Styrene can stay in the air for several days. Consumer products containing styrene include: packaging materials, insulation for electrical uses (i.e., wiring and appliances) ,insulation for homes and other buildings, fiberglass, plastic pipes, automobile parts, drinking cups and other items. Right now there is no leak as it has been contained. When inhaled, it mainly affects the upper respiratory tract. What Is Styrene, The Gas That Killed 11 People In Visakhapatnam. © Copyright Sakshi Post 2020 All rights reserved. Officials said that the Covid-19 preparedness helped a lot as dozens of ambulances with oxygen cylinders and ventilators were readily available. The issue of styrene and cancer has been a priority for IARC ever since an accumulation of leukaemia cases among employees in the American synthetic rubber industry was seen in the 1970s. Styrene is … Styrene oxide is considered toxic and possibly mutagenic. However, studies on animals say that animals may be more sensitive than humans to the nose and liver effects. Among the chemicals used to manufacture polymer composites, few are as widely used as styrene. So, how does Styrene affect the human body? Express Explained is now on Telegram. COVID-19: Twitter Deletes Rajinikanth’s Post. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that styrene is a possible carcinogen. Repeated exposure to lower levels of styrene gas can cause problems with concentration, memory and balance and learning ability and can result in confusion and slow reflexes. Initial reports indicate that several people from the surrounding villages — RRV Puram, Venkatapuram, BC Colony, Padmapuram and Kamparapalem — fell unconscious on the roads. As per health officials, mere exposure to gas may not be fatal. Click here to join our channel (@ieexplained) and stay updated with the latest. 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. The possible cause of death in animals and humans is possibly asphyxia – oxygen deprivation. Context: A gas leak, reminiscent of the 1984 Bhopal tragedy, has affected thousands of residents in five villages in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.. It is a flammable liquid that is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. As per the US-based Environment Protection Agency (EPA), short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory problems, irritation in the eyes, irritation in the mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal issues. Politics | Styrene gas is reported to be among the causes for cancers of blood and skin. How Dangerous Is It? The cases are high as the gas leak was only detected at 3 am in the morning, meaning several crucial hours have been lost till safety precautions were taken, and the gas was allowed to spread while people were fast asleep. According to Tox Town, a website run by the US National Library of Medicine, styrene is also found in vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, and in natural foods like fruits and vegetables. So far it is estimated that areas within a five kilometre radius have been affected. An affected woman on a wheelchair being taken for treatment at King George Hospital after a major chemical gas leakage at LG Polymers industry in … Symptoms include headache, hearing loss, fatigue, weakness, difficulty in concentrating etc. Videos | 5 Dos And Don’ts For Expectant Mothers, Babies In Winters! Styrene gas which leaked from the LG Polymers unit at R R Venkatapuram on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, is a lethal chemical that can have a carcinogenic (cancer causing) effect … Pungent air, deaths and chaos — Visakhapatnam gas leak in pictures. Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in health issues such as headache, fatigue, weakness, depression, CSN dysfunction and loss of hearing and balance besides concentration problems. Teams of NDRF rushed to the spot and reports said the source of the gas leak was contained in the morning. Created: May 07, 2020, 11:21 IST | Updated: May 07, 2020, 12:51 IST. 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