Emission fluxes of styrene monomers and other chemicals for products containing expanded polystyrene beads

Abstract

Styrene in indoor air can adversely affect human health. In this study, styrene monomer and other chemical emission fluxes for products containing expanded polystyrene beads (pillows, cushions, and soft toys) were measured at various temperatures to simulate typical product use. The contributions of the products to styrene and other chemical concentrations in indoor air and human exposure to these chemicals were estimated, and health risk assessments were performed. The styrene monomer emission fluxes for the samples at 25˚C were between 25.3 and 8.73×10 3 μg/(m 2 h). The styrene emission fluxes for the product surfaces increased strongly as the temperature increased, from between 124 and 2.44×10 4 μg/(m 2 h) at 36˚C (simulating human body temperature) to between 474 and 4.59×10 4 μg/(m 2 h) at 50˚C (simulating inside an automobile in summer). The hexane, heptane, toluene, octane, ethylbenzene, m-and p-xylene, o-xylene, and dodecane emission fluxes at 25˚C for the sample that emitted the analytes most readily were high. The maximum estimated styrene and xylene concentrations in indoor air caused by emissions from expanded polystyrene beads at 36˚C in a bedroom and automobile were higher than the relevant guidelines. The maximum contribution of a product containing expanded polystyrene beads in a living room, bedroom, or automobile could cause the total volatile organic compound concentration in air to exceed the advisable value (400 μg/m 3). The estimated maximum hazard quotients for styrene, toluene, and xylene emitted by a product containing expanded polystyrene beads at 36˚C in a bedroom were 0.59, 0.30, and 0.37, respectively. These non-carcinogenic risk values for single products could contribute to the non-carcinogenic risk thresholds being exceeded when multiple products and other sources of chemicals are taken into consideration. The estimated styrene concentrations suggest that products containing expanded polystyrene beads are important sources of styrene to indoor air.

Expanded Polystyrene-Debris-Induced Genotoxic Effect in Littoral Organisms

“…However, based on the design of our model experiments and the responses of the biochemical markers, it is reasonable to assume that a chemical factor was the leading factor behind the pro-oxidant biochemical changes in both mollusk species. Furthermore, this view is based on multiple studies indicating that EPS contains several chemical components that are relatively easily and rapidly leached into the environment [ 13 , 18 , 26 , 27 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. More than 40 low-molecular-weight chemicals were detected in EPS [ 27 ], as well as ethylbenzene [ 59 ], bisphenol A (BPA) [ 61 ], and toxic metals (Hg, Pb) [ 62 , 63 ].…”

“…Furthermore, this view is based on multiple studies indicating that EPS contains several chemical components that are relatively easily and rapidly leached into the environment [ 13 , 18 , 26 , 27 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]. More than 40 low-molecular-weight chemicals were detected in EPS [ 27 ], as well as ethylbenzene [ 59 ], bisphenol A (BPA) [ 61 ], and toxic metals (Hg, Pb) [ 62 , 63 ]. However, from an ecotoxicological point of view, the main components of EPS, such as styrene and its oligomers [ 16 , 64 ] and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) [ 15 , 18 , 28 , 65 , 66 ], pose serious risks to marine organisms.…”

“…Expanded polystyrene (EPS) shows a range of unique physical properties (lightness, stiffness, relative strength, and thermal and electrical insulation) and is one of the most widely used polymers in the world. This polymer, with a global production of more than 20 million tons per year, is widely used in a variety of global industries, including textiles, electronic device housings, food packaging, soft toys, building insulation materials, and a variety of marine aquaculture and fisheries products [ 15 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

Advanced microplastic monitoring using Raman spectroscopy with a combination of nanostructure-based substrates

“…In the case of increased temperature from 36 °C (human body’s temperature) to 50 °C (inside an automobile’s temperature in summer), this value significantly increased from range = 124–2.44 × 10 4 to range = 474–4.59 × 10 4 , respectively. In a bedroom and automobile at 36 °C, due to styrene emissions from expanded PS beads, the maximum estimated styrene concentrations were higher than the relevant guidelines in air [ 11 ].…”

“…The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic pollution have become one of the most pressing environmental issues [ 7 , 8 ]. For example, the harmful effects of either polycarbonate microplastics [ 9 ] or PS MNPs may critically impact the health of plastic factory workers and general consumers who use these products due to their uptake via various routes, including inhalation [ 10 , 11 ], dermal contact [ 12 , 13 ], and ingestion of PS-contaminated foods, water, and marine products [ 14 , 15 ].…”