Styrene

Styrene is an organic compound used widely in manufacturing plastics and rubber. It appears as a clear, oily liquid with a sweet, benzene-like odor. Chemically, it's a building block for polystyrene, a common plastic found in packaging, insulation, and disposable items. Styrene is produced from petroleum and natural gas, and while useful, it can be harmful if inhaled or exposed to skin in high concentrations. Proper handling and safety measures are essential in industrial settings to minimize health risks. Overall, styrene plays a key role in modern material production but requires careful management due to its chemical nature.