Styrene (ethenylbenzene): Health effects
Description
Styrene affects the central nervous and respiratory systems, including depression, concentration problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, unsteadiness, narcosis, defatting dermatitis, and nausea. Exposure may also irritate the nose, throat, and eyes, including severe eye injuries. The International Association for Research into Cancer (IARC) classifies styrene as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)'.
Entering the body
By absorption into the blood through the lungs, stomach, skin or eyes. Populations with potentially high exposures to styrene include people working in various styrene industries, smokers, and those eating a high proportion of foods packaged in polystyrene.
Exposure
Exposure to Styrene can be by breathing the vapours, contact with pure styrene or substances containing styrene or by eating or drinking foods containing or contaminated by styrene.
Health guidelines
Worksafe Australia:
Standards are eight hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit: 50 ppm (213 mg/m3), short term exposure limit (STEL): 100 ppm (426 mg/m3)
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC and ARMCANZ, 1996):
Health: Maximum of 0.03 mg/L (i.e. 0.00003 g/L)
Aesthetic: Maximum of 0.004 mg/L (i.e. 0.000004 g/L)
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