What is Methyl Styrene?

On June 11, 2008, a revision (UEF-1-2007) to the UEF standard was approved, to add factors for emission of methyl styrene isomers. Methyl styrene isomers are chemicals comprised of a methyl group (CH3) added to styrene (C6H5-CH=CH2). Vinyl toluene, alpha-methyl-styrene, and para-methyl-styrene are common methyl styrene isomers. These chemicals are lower-volatility monomers used in some resin formulas to reduce styrene emissions (styrene is a Hazardous Air Pollutant and subject to control requirements under the US EPA composites manufacturing air emission standard) and/or to modify the polymerization reaction.