Assessing the Environmental and Occupational Health Implications of Styrene Emissions in Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Rehabilitation: A Multi-Site Analysis of Installation Practices

Parisa Beigvand (), Mohammad Najafi, Vinayak Kaushal, Ayoub Mohammadi, William Elledge and Burak Kaynak
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Parisa Beigvand: Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, P.O. Box 19308, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Mohammad Najafi: Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, P.O. Box 19308, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Vinayak Kaushal: Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, P.O. Box 19308, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Ayoub Mohammadi: Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, P.O. Box 19308, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
William Elledge: DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, DC 20003, USA
Burak Kaynak: DC Water and Sewer Authority, Washington, DC 20003, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: Styrene is an aromatic compound widely used as a reactive monomer in polyester resins, which are among the most utilized resins in cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, the most widely used trenchless pipe renewal method. Given that styrene is classified as a suspected human carcinogen, this study aims to evaluate styrene concentrations emitted into the air during sewer pipe rehabilitation using CIPP. This study included developing a comprehensive methodology to collect data from six different CIPP installations across the U.S. and document styrene emissions before, during, and after the curing process. The air samples were collected and analyzed using the USEPA method TO-15 and TO-17. Measured styrene emissions were then compared with exposure limits established by USEPA, NIOSH, and OSHA to assess potential occupational and worker health impacts. The result confirmed that high styrene concentrations, exceeding the established threshold, can be observed within the CIPP work zone. The result also indicated a considerable reduction in styrene concentration within five feet downwind of the work zone. In conclusion, while the health risk to the public appears to be low, there is a potential for health impact for the CIPP crew. Therefore, implementing real-time air quality monitoring during CIPP installation to mitigate these health risks is recommended. Additionally, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by the crew is essential.

Keywords: environmental health impact; styrene emissions; occupational exposure; trenchless technology; pipeline rehabilitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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