Styrene is the gas that leaked from the LG Polymers unit in Vizag in the wee hours of Thursday. Contrary to what some media reports are saying, it is not as harmful as, say, Methyl Isocyanate of the Bhopal gas tragedy, the 1984 incident that resulted in the death of thousands of residents of the city in Madhya Pradesh.

JNU professor and scientist Anand Ranganathan says, "While Styrene is dangerous, I request you to not create panic by comparing it with Methyl isocyanate (MIC), the Bhopal gas. Toxic level in ppm (parts per million) posing an immediate danger to life: Styrene: 700. MIC: 3."

Styrene is commonly used in the manufacture of plastic and synthetic rubbers, says News18. It adds, "Short-term exposure to the gas may lead to respiratory troubles, eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects. Long-term exposure affects the central nervous system. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, weakness, depression, hearing loss, etc. There is no conclusive evidence that it is carcinogenic."

The Hindu has quoted doctors as saying that, depending on the intensity of inhaling the gas, "a person could face complications in the lungs and inhaling oxygen, could lead to fatality due to damage to the central nervous system."