Investigation of Selected Potential Environmental Contaminants: Styrene, Ethylbenzene, and Related Compounds

摘要

This report reviews the potential environmental hazard from the commercial use of four related compounds: ethylbenzene, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, and divinylbenzene. Both ethylbenzene and styrene are produced in 6-7 billion pounds per year while the other two compounds are produced in much smaller quantities. Ethylbenzene is used to produce styrene and styrene and the other monomers are used to make polystyrene and other resins, elastomers, and rubbers. Significant non-commercial sources of the compounds are also possible including automobile exhaust, gasoline, and other combustion sources. Ethylbenzene and styrene have both been detected in air and water samples. Information on physical and chemical properties, production methods and quantities, commercial uses and factors affecting environmental contamination and information related to health and biological are reviewed.