Lung disease associated with occupational styrene exposure

Abstract

Despite reports of pulmonary toxicity due to styrene, guidelines on acceptable styrene exposure levels have been based on risk of cancer and central nervous system and liver toxicity and not on respiratory effects. Many reports have linked exposure to styrene vapor in occupational settings to various forms of non-malignant pulmonary disorders including bronchiolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and occupational asthma. We report two cases in which the same tasks performed in a single workplace resulted in exposure to styrene vapor with subsequent development of acute respiratory symptoms associated with impaired gas exchange and imaging and histopathologic findings consistent with bronchiolitis and organizing pneumonia. Both patients gradually recovered once their workplace exposure to styrene was terminated. Clinicians, employers, and insurers should be aware of the potential for pulmonary toxicity from exposure to styrene.

Improving glass transition temperature of unsaturated polyester thermosets: Conventional unsaturated polyester resins

“…As mentioned before, the use of styrene is increasingly problematic because of its intensive smell and because of strict regulation. 15,16 One strategy to reduce styrene emission is the application of resin additives such as styrene suppressants. Another method is the partial or complete substitution of styrene.…”

“…13,14 The use of styrene is increasingly considered to be a problem because of its intensive smell as well as strict regulations. 15,16 UPRs yield thermosets with glass transition temperatures (T g ) reaching from 30 up to 185 C. Most UPR applications require T g values from 80 to 150 C. UPR networks with T g > 200 C are available only with restrictions regarding reactivity. Some dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) containing UPRs achieve T g -values above 200 C when postcured at 180 C for several weeks.…”

“…Consequently, UP thermosets behave brittle, especially in comparison to epoxy thermosets 13,14 . The use of styrene is increasingly considered to be a problem because of its intensive smell as well as strict regulations 15,16 …”

Methacrylate monomer as an alternative to styrene in typical polyester–styrene copolymers

“…The wide application of styrene inspired numerous studies on its impact on living organisms. It turned out that the advantages of this solvent as a crosslinking monomer must be confronted with its toxic effects in the human organism . Its direct contact with the skin can be reduced in a simple way, the high volatility of styrene makes that people having contact with UPRs processing are exposed to inhalation of its vapors.…”

“…It turned out that the advantages of this solvent as a crosslinking monomer must be confronted with its toxic effects in the human organism. [2][3][4] Its direct contact with the skin can be reduced in a simple way, the high volatility of styrene makes that people having contact with UPRs processing are exposed to inhalation of its vapors. As a consequence, the tightening of standards regarding its concentration in the air contributed to the search for solutions.…”