GAS LEAK IN MANAUS Styrene monomer, a substance that leaked from a tank at the company Innova, in Manaus, is a toxic chemical product, according to the head of the Chemistry Department at the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), Karime Bentes. The expert also highlighted that, under certain conditions, rainwater can react with the gas and form harmful compounds that spread over long distances through the air. The leak at Innova was recorded at 5:36 pm on Wednesday (15), after the product stored in the reservoir showed an abnormal increase in temperature. According to a company statement, the vapors were released in a controlled manner by the equipment's safety devices. The company classifies the episode as a “chemical emergency”. Karime Bentes explained that styrene monomer is used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubbers and expanded polystyrene (styrofoam). According to her, exposure to the product through inhalation can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness and nausea. ? Join the g1 AM channel on WhatsApp The expert states that the product is originally liquid, but when it becomes gas, it tends to spread more easily and can reach places far from the leak point. "Styrene is a chemical product that comes in liquid form, but evaporates quickly. When it becomes a gas, it is heavier than oxygen and can spread over long distances," he says. Asked by g1 about the possibility of acid rain occurring, Karime Bentes stated that the phenomenon depends on the concentration of styrene present in the atmosphere. For the expert, under certain conditions, rainwater can react with the gas and form harmful compounds, as well as liquid styrene, a toxic and dangerous substance. "Depending on the concentration of styrene in the air, rain/water in contact with styrene gas can react and form harmful compounds and liquid styrene (toxic and dangerous chemical), spreading, posing a risk of contamination to the environment, fauna and flora", he said. Factory and schools close after gas leak in Manaus Videos show moment of styrene gas leak in the Industrial District in Manaus Manaus goes into a state of alert after styrene gas leak in the Industrial District, says mayor After 14 hours, firefighters continue to cool tanks after styrene leak in the Industrial District of Manaus Agencies monitor the situation Public security, health, environment and Civil Defense agencies continue to act, this Thursday afternoon (16), in control and prevention after chemical leaks. In a note, the Department of Health reported that 149 people sought care in units of the state health network after the incident was registered. "The main symptoms presented were shortness of breath, nausea, headache, dizziness and fainting. All underwent medical evaluation and underwent tests. Of the total, 140 were discharged with medical advice and eight remain hospitalized. The state health network continues to have safety, surveillance and assistance protocols duly activated," said the ministry. The Amazonas Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam) also monitors the execution of the company's Emergency Action Plan (PAE) and monitors the response to the incident to verify whether the measures adopted are sufficient to minimize possible environmental impacts. The Fire Department reinforced that 80% of the material that is still being expelled from the tank today is made up of water particles. More than 100 people are treated after a gas leak in Manaus; three remain hospitalized Aerial image records styrene gas vapors during cooling this Thursday (16) William Duarte/Rede Amazônica