Exposure assessment for study of olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry

Abstract

This quantitative exposure evaluation has provided a well-characterized population, with documented exposure histories stable over time and in the range suitable for the purposes of the associated study of olfactory function.

NTP‐CERHR Expert Panel Report on the reproductive and developmental toxicity of styrene

“…Study details and results are presented in Table 14. Styrene exposures were fairly consistent with the data reported for similar processes by Lees et al (2003). Use of respiratory protection was associated with higher blood and air styrene concentrations, consistent with greater use of respiratory protection among the more highly exposed workers.…”

“…Some studies or reviews reported data indicating that generally styrene exposures have tended to decrease over time (Pfäffli and Säämänen, 1993;Welp et al, 1996;Macaluso et al, 2004). However, styrene exposures in the reinforced plastic facilities as reported by Lemasters et al (1985a) were essentially similar to the exposure levels reported by Lees et al (2003) and Luderer et al (2004). Based on the reported exposure range (3-82 ppm), a daily respiratory rate of 10 m 3 at work, and a 70-kg body weight, nominal daily styrene intake in the reinforced plastic industry is estimated at 2-51 mg/kg bw/day.…”

“…In contrast, styrene monomers and polymers are manufactured using closed processes and generally result in lower styrene levels in air. Information about levels of styrene in workplace air is available from reviews (Cohen et al, 2002;IARC, 2002), three surveys of U.S. workplaces manufacturing glass-reinforced plastic products (Lemasters et al, 1985a;Lees et al, 2003;Luderer et al, 2004), and a small number of NIOSH HHEs (NIOSH, 2004a). In monomer and polymer production facilities, styrene levels in air were usually measured below 10 ppm, but peaks up to 65 ppm were sometimes reported.…”

“…Styrene exposure data in glass-reinforced plastics workers are available in a 2003 study by Lees et al (2003). Exposures were assessed at four U.S. sites that had stable manufacturing processes and control technologies during the past 10 years.…”

The ototoxicity of styrene: a review of occupational investigations

“…Despite the improvement of work practices, ventilation systems, and personal protection measures, there was still some overexposure observed in this industry: in 31% of cases, the TWA concentration exceeded the German threshold limit value of 20 ppm. Lees et al (2003) assessed the styrene exposure of 52 persons employed in four American factories making reinforced plastics. Their mean 8 h TWA respiratorcorrected annual average styrene exposure was 12.6 ppm.…”