The year 2020 since its very start has been wreaking havoc on the planet and its habitations. To recall, we had the deadly bushfire in the lands of Kangaroo- Australia, the Turkey earthquake, ongoing CORONA pandemic and to further aggravate we have now Vizag Gas leak. Tragedies seem to be dauntlessly taking new forms in many unexpected and unusual ways in such unusual circumstances. This has catapulted mankind into introspection of self and society. Afterall, KARMA has its own style of execution.
Vizag also known as Visakhapatnam is a beautiful capital city of Andhra Pradesh located on the Eastern coast of South India. Rich in scenic beauty and a centre of industrial activities it is a beautiful place to live in. But, unfortunately, few moments before the stroke of dawn it got terrorized with the demonic leakage of poisonous gas- STYRENE. The leakage is said to have started around 3 am on 7th May at the LG Polymers industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota.
LG Polymers India Private Limited was established in 1961 as “Hindustan Polymers” for manufacturing Polystyrene and its Co-polymers at Visakhapatnam, India. It was subsequently merged with Mc Dowell & Co. Ltd. of UB Group in 1978. Hindustan Polymers was completely taken over by LG Chem (South Korea), in 1997 and renamed as LG Polymers India Private Limited (LGPI). LGPI manufactures mainly 3 compounds and products derived from them namely- PS- Polystyrene, EPS- Expandable Polystyrene and EPC- Engineering Plastic Compounds. These compounds are used to make a wide range of polymer-based products which we commonly call as plastics. Not to forget plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives and so have hazards associated with it.
According to news reports, styrene gas leak has been caused to have occurred because of a technical glitch in the refrigeration unit attached to the two styrene tanks. The Plant that employs more than 300 workers is said to have been planning for the reopening of the factory after 40-day curbs imposed on account of nation-wide lockdown. The residents of the adjoining area are said to have woken up to the pungent smell of the air. The effects were so poisonous that more than 2000 people have been said to be evacuated from areas in the radius of 3-5 km from the site of leakage. It has been reported more than 11 people have succumbed to the deadly leakage and many have been hospitalized. More than 5000 metric ton of styrene gas was reported to be stored in the two tanks.
What is Styrene?
As per Sciencedirect.com styrene (also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylethene) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CHCH2. It is a volatile colourless liquid that has a sweet smell. Styrene is quickly broken down in the air, usually within 1-2 days. Manufactured styrene may contain aldehydes, which give it a sharp, unpleasant odour. It also occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and beverages. It is also found in cigarette smoke and vehicular exhausts.
Uses? Styrene is a poisonous gas. Today’s incident has provided the public with many disturbing visuals. Exposure to gas may lead to adverse impacts on the- respiratory and central nervous system, irritation to ears, eyes and nose, dizziness, headache, fatigue, gastrointestinal effects, depression, weakness, loss of hearing, cancer and many related issues.
Risks associated?
As per US National Library of Medicines, it is used to manufacture a variety of products- insulation and packing materials, decorative, automobile parts, printer cartridges and toners, luggage, toys and many other products as depicted above in the picture.ssociated?
Remedy?
- It is advisable to stay indoors.
- Evacuate the area in the close vicinity of leakage
- Use masks when going outside and even indoors
- Using a wet cloth to cover the nose and mouth will also be helpful
- Wash eyes, nose and skin with water.
- Do not get drenched in the rain following leakage. It might be acidic.
- Only the symptoms of Styrene poisoning are said to have been treated until styrene breaks naturally within the body due to biochemical reaction and gets eliminated via urine.
Meanwhile, Centre has granted permission to LG Polymers India Pvt Ltd to airlift 500 kg of Para-tertiary butyl catechol (PTBC) chemical from Daman for neutralising the gas leakage in Visakhapatnam plant. This tragedy reminds us of the Union Carbide factory tragedy that killed thousands in Bhopal. It is a matter of grave concern that proper EHS practices are put in place, audited and implemented strictly.
