polystyrene inhalation

[What 23]

In my work I used a polystyrene cooler to transport temperature sensitive materials. As a result of opening and closing sometimes the cooler would have pieces break off and dust from it would fly in the air. I worry sometimes that these particles will get in my lungs, and won't be processes out. My exposure is minimal, but sometimes I over worry myself. I figure the lungs would expell dust by coating it with mucous and coughing, but I rarely cough or need to.

Hmm.

Anyone know what the body does with this kind of stuff?

 

[Maya]

^I did a bit of research on Polystyrene and so far, the information i have read is the carcinogenic effects of styrene which include elevated rates of lymphoma, hematopoiesis, and leukemia in reinforced plastics workers, primarily through inhalation. It can also cause mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation, gastrointestinal effects, listlessness, impairment of balance, and central nervous system disorders such as depression, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness/

 

[ComfortablyNumb95]

I don't think you're over worryin. everything that can damage your health is worth concerning. maybe wear a disposable mask or something?

 

[flyhighk]

Do you spend all day working with polystyrene?

 

[What 23]

It is just a little cooler but pieces constantly break off and dust is formed. I no longer work using it, so I'm about to dispose of it. My trunk just had tons of dust/pieces of this. I vacuumed so in the future it won't be a worry. I just tend to let messes pile up.

 

[sekio]

Macroscopic pieces of polystyrene dust are not super harmful, they will be removed from your lungs & trapped by mucous membranes like any other debris eventually. Because it's so big and not-water-soulble your body will easily reject it.

Don't confuse polystyrene with styrene itself (an aromatic compound like toluene). Polystyrene is safe as houses, we make those foam coffee cups from it, and use it to transport our cold food. Styrene is a noxious flammable liquid.

[Polystyrene foam] is not known to lead to any skin irritations and is regarded as biologically inert. Residual quantities of pentane and styrene monomer are insignificant. However during hot wire cutting of EPS if ventilation is not adequate the fumes generated can cause irritation to the respiratory tracts and eyes.
Where substantial dust is produced in subsequent processing of EPS (e.g. band sawing or grinding), suitable dust extraction must be provided, to ensure that exposure does not exceed 10mg/m³ 8 Hours TWA (Occupational Exposure Limit for total inhaleable dust)

I think you should treat it like any other dust, e.g. sawdust. It's flammable and a minor irritant if inhaled. Sweep it up and dispose of it, or use vacuum cleaners.