THE CHRONICLES OF STYRENE GAS LEAKAGE IN VISAKHAPATNAM
THE CHRONICLES OF STYRENE GAS LEAKAGE IN VISAKHAPATNAM
· Introduction:
·
IT
was around 2:30-3:00 am, Thursday. People of RR Venkatapuram village in
Visakhapatnam located in Andhra Pradesh were in sound sleep when the styrene
gas leakage had been started from LG polymers (India) pvt limited. This
reportedly spread over a radius of 3km affecting at least 5 villages. A large
no of victims were knocked into unconscious state in street side. NDRF (national
disaster response force) team said that 1000 to 1500 people had
been evacuated by authorities & more than 800 people were taken to
hospital. Even though most of them are discharged .300 people are still
admitted in various hospitals. Fire engines, police, and the ambulance reached
the area to control the situation. Many of the domestic animals have also been
affected and died due to the leakage of styrene gas.
v Styrene gas is also known as ethyl benzene, vinyl benzene. It is an organic compound.it is flammable liquid that is used in
manufacturing of polystyrene, copolymers, rubber & latex. It occurs
naturally in fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat .styrene is actually a precursor to
polystyrene and several co-polymers.it releases a poisonous gas when burnt.
Styrene quickly broken down in the air usually within 1-2 days. Pure styrene
possesses a sweet smell and a manufactured styrene contains aldehydes, sharp
and unpleasant odor.
v
HAZARDOUS EFFECT OF STYRENE GAS ON HUMANS & ANIMALS:
v
If a person inhales styrene gas. It shows
an impact on the nervous system such as the following...
v Change in color (vision).
v Nausea, fatigue.
v Intoxicated.
v Delayed reaction time.
v Lack of focus.
v Balance problems (vertigo).
v It was listed as rationally
expected to be human carcinogen.
v Sagacious revelation to styrene gas
in human results in the following effects.
v IT causes several effects on
respiratory system like irritation in mucous membrane.
v A test has been performed on rats and mice where both
of them are subjected to intense acknowledgement to styrene gas.
v The results revealed that low to modest toxicity will
be present on inhalation and oral exposure to styrene gas.
v Long-term exposure to styrene in
human may lead to several CNS effects with following symptoms such as…
v
Headache , tiredness, fragility, melancholy(depression), dysfunction of
CNS ( reaction time, memory, viscometer, speed, accuracy, & intellectual
function) and hearing disability , peripheral nervous system disease, minor
effects on kidney, enzyme functions and
the blood.
Carcinogenicity:
v Increased risk of lymphohematopoietic cancers such as leukaemia,
lymphoma, and genetic damage in WBC/lymphocytes of people who exposed to
styrene.
v If inhaled small quantity it will cause itching,
rashes, burning of eyes. And on larger exposure it leads to unconsciousness.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN ON EXPOSURE TO STYRENE GAS:
v First step is
to bring the situation in control and not to panic and shout. This can make
your lungs suffocated.
v Do not panic and try to stay calm instead of running
to other places which makes you tired and may lead to worst scenario.
v Do not enter outside of the house without covering
your face with a mask unless and until if there is an emergency.
v Use wet masks to avoid inhaling the poisonous gas. If
there is no mask to cover your mouth & nose. Use a wet cloth.
v IF you have come in contact with the gas, try to reach
to safe spot and take deep breath.
v Drink more water.
v IF your eyes are getting irritation wash them
thoroughly and use eye drops.
v IF there is itching on your skin. Wash your skin with
soap and take citrizen tan.
v IF you sense of vomiting take domestal tab.
v Take milk banana and jaggery to neutralise the effect
of gas.
v Feeling uneasy then call 108 immediately and ask for
help.
v Help the people around affected area.
LEGAL ACTION:
- Gopalapatnam police registered case against LG polymers (India) pvt Ltd management under the following Indian penal code sections.
v IPC section 304-culpable homicide not amounting to
murder.
v IPC section 337-any
person who causes hurt to any other person in a rash manner to endanger human life
and personal safety of others.
v IPC section 338-causing grievous hurt.
v IPC section 278-making atmosphere noxious to breath.
v IPC section 284- negligence conduct with respect to
poisonous substance.
v IPC section 285- any person who does with fire or any combustible
matter in a rash manner which is likely to cause hurt or injury to any other
person knowingly or in negligent manner.
v Company was mentioned as the only accused.
CAUSE OF LEAKAGE OF STYRENE GAS:
v A technical glitch in refrigeration unit of the tank
caused a mishap. This caused increase in temperature and vapour pressure
between 2:30-3:00 am.
v So the gas started to leak when there are adjustments
in maintenance are been taken care of.
v Due to which leaked gas had been spread from plant to
neighboring villages and areas.
v A fault in the gas valve is supposed to led to leakage
from one of the chemical tanks which is not been taken care since lockdown.
v The leakage is dubious to be vaporised
or evaporated styrene gas.
v The plant also contains default volatile organic
compound (voc) detection system at plant.
v There is no installation of specific detectors that
detect styrene gas monitoring.
CONCLUSION:
v Leakage of styrene gas led to a death of 11 persons
and several hundred numbers of people got hospitalised and many domestic
animals have lost their lives. So it is better to take all necessary
precautions for avoiding panic situations seek help from government services on
any emergency situations.
CH. SARANYA
4th
B.pharm
Clinosol Research Pvt. Ltd...
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