Styrene in CIPP Repair: 7 Safety Measures You Should Use When Working With Styrene-Based Resins

Sep 18

How to safely work with styrene in cipp repairs

CIPP repair is by far one of the most cost-effective and reliable repair options available for both large and small sewer repairs. But working with resins comes with concerns, including potentially harmful chemicals. One of those concerns is the use of styrene in CIPP repair. There’s been a lot of press on this issue for the past two decades, so let’s clear up some of the more pressing concerns around styrene-based resins.

What Is Styrene?

Styrene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that comprises about 40% of many two-stage resins. It acts as a hardening agent for the resin as it cures. Styrene can affect water supplies and air quality and has a strong odor that makes it easy to identify.

This chemical compound is an integral part of many different manufacturing industries, including reinforced plastics, rubber manufacturing, and even photocopy centers.

Why Do Resins Need Styrene in CIPP Repairs?

Since it is the main hardener in CIPP lining resins, styrene is an integral part of almost all CIPP repairs. The polymer chemically transforms the liquid resin into an incredibly strong and rigid plastic, providing the structural integrity of pipes repaired with cured-in-place methods.

Styrene and Safety

Since 1987, the Styrene Information Research Center has invested more than $25 million into scientific research to better understand the effects of styrene on the environment and on the human body.

Is Styrene Safe?

Styrene is considered a carcinogen. The CDC, NASSCO, and OSHA have specific regulations related to the use and mitigation of styrene in CIPP repairs and other potential exposure situations.

What Are the Effects of Styrene Exposure?

According to the CDC, exposure to high concentrations of styrene can cause:

Dizziness
Changes in color vision
Tiredness
A drunk feeling
Slowed reaction times
Concentration problems

Are There Alternatives to Styrene-Based Resins?

Most of the resins on the market today still utilize styrene as the hardening agent because it remains one of the most effective polymer hardeners available. There are a few styrene-free resins, but both performance and cost are concerns at this time.

How to Safely Work With Styrene-Based Resins

But styrene-based resins can still be used safely, and the risks connected to styrene in CIPP repairs can be mitigated with a few specific steps.

Wear PPE (standard protection for worksites), specifically when opening the transport truck or trailer (styrene levels are highest at this time).
Use active air monitoring for manholes or other entry and exhaust points.
Maintain a 15-foot perimeter around exhaust manholes and emission stacks.
Emission stacks should be at least 6 feet tall.

Areas to Watch with Styrene in CIPP Repairs

For CIPP repairs, styrene becomes a problem most often through the cure water. With hot water curing, the styrene released in the curing process dissolves in the water. It has to be disposed of properly to prevent contamination of downstream water supplies.

Resin spills should be cleaned up promptly, and any excess materials should be disposed of properly. Cooling cure water is key in disposal, as increased heat could cause combustion. Disposal is possible in sanitary sewers, but it shouldn’t be discharged into storm sewers and culverts, as it can cause serious damage to water supplies.

If styrene-saturated cure water is disposed of upstream of residential buildings or homes, it can cause odor issues within the buildings. It can also disrupt water treatment processes that use organic purification methods, so it should not be disposed of close to a water treatment plant.

With these practices in place, styrene in CIPP repairs is manageable and safe. But there are other options for reducing styrene release and decreasing exposure risks, including using faster curing processes.

Curing Processes That Reduce Styrene in CIPP Repairs

The most common CIPP repair curing method is hot water curing, but because heat releases styrene from the resin, it’s also one of the riskiest options. Today’s resins and curing technology offer better, and safer, alternatives to hot water curing.

Steam Cure CIPP

With less wastewater to dispose of, steam-cured CIPP poses less of a challenge for styrene disposal. But another benefit of steam curing is that it takes less time to completely cure. That time difference traps more styrene in the hardened polymer than hot water curing, reducing harmful emissions.

UV Light Cure CIPP

The same is true of UV light curing. With an even faster cure time than steam curing, UV curing traps even more styrene in CIPP repairs than steam. And with no wastewater to dispose of, UV light provides the safest option for styrene-based resin repairs.

Start Safe, Start Right

If your plumbing business is ready to offer CIPP services, T3 Lining Supply is your one-stop shop for industry-leading equipment, advanced polymer formulas, and cutting-edge technical training. We do regular training sessions, as well as private training, at our two locations to keep you up-to-date with certifications and safety protocols. But we can also come to you, no matter where you call home.

Trenton Wollman