styreeniin

Styrene, known in Finnish as styreeni, is an organic chemical with the formula C8H8. It is also called ethenylbenzene and is a colorless, oily liquid with a sweet odor. In Finnish, the illative form styreeniin means “into styrene,” reflecting the language's case system.

Styrene is primarily produced by the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in large-scale industrial plants. It is a key monomer used to make polystyrene and a variety of copolymers, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). These polymers are widely used in packaging, consumer goods, insulation, automotive components, and many other applications. Styrene can be polymerized under controlled conditions with inhibitors to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Handling and safety considerations are important with styrene. It is highly flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Exposure to styrene vapors or skin contact may cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Prolonged or high-level exposure can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as dizziness or headaches. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies styrene as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). Proper ventilation, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment are recommended when working with the material, along with the use of polymerization inhibitors and appropriate storage conditions.

Environmentally, styrene is volatile and primarily released to air; it can be transported away from spillage areas and can be toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations. Spills are managed with containment and proper cleanup to minimize emissions and exposure.