Styrene Fact Sheet

Source of Exposure

Styrene is a major reactive solvent used in the manufacture of reinforced plastics, polyesters, and synthetic rubbers. Exposure to styrene can occur through inhalation of vapors or through direct contact with skin.

Symptoms

Styrene is similar to the other aromatic solvents and is a depressant to the central nervous system. Exposure to sytrene can cause irritation of mucous membranes, dermatitis, nausea, and fatigue. Studies of stryene-exposed workers have demonstrated an increased incidence of chromosomal aberations, and there is evidence that occupational exposure is associated with an increased risk of leukemia.

Blood Concentrations

Data indicates that the general population has serum levels of styrene at an average concentration of less than 0.5 PPB. The Threshold Limit Value established for styrene in ambient air is 100,000 PPB. Workers exposed to the TLV for 8 hours developed blood levels of 900 PPB (Stewart, et al., 1968). Exposure studies were performed on exercising workers exposed to 87,000 - 139,000 PPB in ambient air. These subjects developed blood concentrations of 2,700 PPB (Orkvist, 1981).

Toxic Levels

A group of workers who complained of significant mental and physical impairment had developed serum concentrations of styrene of 1670 PPB. These workers suffered a general decline in health compared to a control group of non-exposed workers (Cherry et al., 1980). Individuals who have been sensitized may manifest negative health effects at concentrations well within the ranges considered safe for the average population. (See Chemically Hypersensitive Patients.)

Metabolism

Styrene has a half-life in the body of approximately 13 hours. The majority of styrene is metabolized with only 1-2% being exhaled or excreted unchanged. The major metabolites produced are mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid.

Summary

Classification:   Aromatic Sovlents
Population Average:   40.5 PPB (whole blood)
Threshold Limit Value:   900 PPB (whole blood) 100,000 (air)
Onset of Symptoms:   1,670 PPB (whole blood)
Death:   Data not available
Half-Life:   13 hours
LD 5O:   (oral-rat) 5,000 mg/kg (rats)

References

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Cherry, N., Waldron, H.A., Wells, G.G., et al., "An investigation of the acute behavioral effects of styrene on factory workers," Brit. J. Ind. Med. 37: 234-2409 1980.

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Dutkiewica, T., and Tyras, H., "Skin absorption of toluene, styrene, and xylene by man," Brit. J. Ind. Med. 25: 243, 1968.

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Guillemin, M.P., and Bauer, D., "Human exposure to styrene. II. Quantitative and specific gas chromatographic analysis of urinary mandelic and phenylglyoxulic acids as and index of styrene exposure," Int.Arch.Occ.Env.Health 37: 57-64, 1976.

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Ogata, M., and Sugihara, R., "High performance liquid chromatographic procedure for quantitative determination of urinary phenylglyoxylic, mandelic, and hippuric acids as indices of styrene exposure," Int. Arch. Occ. Env. Health 42: 11-19, 1978.

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