It was 3am IST and suddenly the surroundings in and around the LG Polymers factory in Vishakapatnam (hereafter referred to as Vizag) turned Foggy & it was not because of the climate drop or air moisture levels. It was because of a deadly Gas leak. The Gas is none other than Styrene.
What is Styrene?
Styrene is a derivative of Benzene, hence it is also known chemically as Ethylbenzene. It is a synthetic chemical with the texture of colourless liquid. Also having the properties of being highly gaseous in an environment where the temperature exceeds 20° celcius, Styrene is also a very dangerous chemical which can cause a huge list of health issues in living beings. A Low percentage of Styrene also occurs naturally in Strawberries, Cinnamon, Coffee and Beef too.
Styrene – C8H8
How Styrene made its presence in Vizag?
LG Polymers India Pvt. Ltd, who are into the business of polystyrene and Expandable polystyrene (Foam) use this chemical as their base raw material. They are based in Vizag.
What do they use this chemical for?
This chemical is used in producing a variety of products starting from Food packaging to Plastic products, almost all Electronic appliances, Medicals, Child protection seats, Packaging, Fiber Glass to automobile parts… It’s used everywhere.
Why is this Harmful chemical used so widely?
Because it is inert ( doesn’t react with other materials), Cost-effective & Long lasting. It’s so long lasting that it takes around 500+ years to decompose.
What happened at LG Polymers, Vizag? Were the safety protocols in place?
The Gas tanks where the styrene was stored was reportedly monitored by a 15 member Engineer team throughout the lockdown period. In case the temperature of the Styrene gas tank rises, an Inhibitor was in place to stabilise it & as a safety measure the tanks where never filled up to the capacity.
Tank capacity : 2400 Tonnes
Styrene stored: 1800 Tonnes
Styrene leaked: around 900 Tonnes.
I.e., around Half the tank was leaked before it was contained and reportedly affected the areas spanning over 3-5 kms radius around LG Polymers.
If all the safety protocols where in place, If an Inhibitor to maintain the stability of the temperature was also in place, why did the Gas leak? What caused the evaporation of the Gas inside the factory? Is still a mystery.
Lots of People and Animals have suffered to death due to Gas leak. We humans who use these products in our daily lives especially for Food packaging are actually in-taking a slow poison. Hot food served in these packaging results in absorption of some amount of Styrene in the food, which in turn we consume.
Should Styrene be completely or partially banned is a matter of judgement. In a time where unemployment is hitting hard, it wouldn’t be justifiable to shut down the factory.
What we @ The Mind Feed feel is
- A proper unbiased enquiry in this matter.
- Proper treatment to those affected by this disaster rather than just some amount of compensation.
- A Good & strict Industry safety law.
- To partially ban it especially when it comes to Food packaging & using it as disposable items. Because just by inhaling, when the Styrene gas could cause a list of health issues, it’s unimaginable to use it in our daily lives especially for Food products.
Is this event an eye-opener for the Government to bring in place an effective and strict Industrial laws? Or is it some World political tactic from China? Or is it due to negligence by the Company? We would like to hear from you, dear readers in the comment section below.
Nishchal Mallya 
Gaurav Prabhu 
Suhas Manikkar 
Nicely penned down.Sad that few people’s negligence costed so many lives, hope that govt takes stringent actions against the guilty culprits.
I understand the fact that, Exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders.
In my opinion, it’s total negligence of the manufacturing unit.
The above information has given a vivid picture of what or when the incident, sorry the dreadful accident had happened. As said, It could have been a planned one when the entire world is now concentrating on the eradication of Covid 19, some political powers might have used this opportunity to play their gimmicks. Whatever be it, who are the sufferers? Only the inner conscience of the culprit must reveal the truth.
An excellent writeup by Akash, keep up the spirit.