Styrene (ethenylbenzene): Environmental effects
Description
Styrene is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms. Styrene is expected to have low toxicity towards terrestrial animals. Styrene contributes to the formation of photochemical smog due to indirect photochemical reactions.
Entering the environment
Styrene will be transported as a vapour in air, in water and in contaminated soils. Styrene has a slight tendency to bioaccumulate.
Where it ends up
Styrene is quickly broken down in the air, usually within one to two days; it evaporates from shallow soils and surface water. Styrene that remains in soil or water may be broken down by bacteria. Styrene Monomer is non-persistent in water, with a half-life of less than 2 days. About 99% of Styrene Monomer will eventually end up in air; about 0.85% will end up in water; the rest will end up in terrestrial soils and aquatic sediments.
Environmental guidelines
No national guidelines.
Key
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