Lasers and Styrene

[MasonJar]

Does anyone know the definitive answer on styrene vapours as caused by a laser cutter? Are the fumes toxic, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous? If yes, what precautions are required?

The reason I ask is much of the information out there seems to suggest that styrene does not contain chlorine (unlike PVC, where the C stand for chloride). But then people usually go on the suggest that it does...?

Eg. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.therpf.com/f9/laser-cutting-styrene-170722/">http://www.therpf.com/f9/laser-cutting-styrene-170722/</a><!-- m --> and this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.laserscript.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=590">http://www.laserscript.co.uk/phpBB3/vie ... ?f=2&t=590</a><!-- m -->

But then sites like this suggest you'd only have logistical issues with small parts: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cutlasercut.com/laser-cutting-materials-laser-engraving-materials/white-hips-styrene">http://www.cutlasercut.com/laser-cuttin ... ps-styrene</a><!-- m -->. And is "HIPS" the same stuff we use?



Thanks!

Andrew

[Charlie B]

Read it here
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0571.pdf">http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0571.pdf</a><!-- m -->
Charlie

[MasonJar]

Thanks Charlie. For some reason the OHS info did not come to mind. I looked up "polystyrene" as well because the one you linked is for the liquid styrene which is an ingredient in the plastic.

Cheers!

Andrew

[wright2626]

if in doubt, i would assume that the answer is yes, especially in california.