Styrene-induced hearing loss: a membrane insult

Chemical exposure and hearing loss

“…51,52 The cochleotoxic effects of aromatic solvents such as toluene, styrene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, various methylstyrenes, allylbenzene, and n-propylbenzene have been repeatedly demonstrated in animal experiments. [53][54][55][56][57] Long-duration exposures to aromatic solvents have been shown to cause irreversible hearing impairment, with the cochlear hair cells as the first targets. 58,59 Most of these animal studies were performed with rats, whose cochleae are sensitive to aromatic solvents.…”

“…62 Mechanisms of aromatic solvent ototoxicity-Aromatic solvents most likely affect hearing through chemical poisoning of hair cells, resulting in disorganization of their membranous structures. 54 An acute effect may be caused by the direct action of solvents on the cells of the organ of Corti, whereas chronic ototoxic effects may be explained by the formation of chemically and biologically reactive intermediates. These intermediates include reactive oxygen species, which may trigger the death of these cells.…”

In-depth study: an occupational exposure assessment of styrene and noise in the fiber-reinforced plastic boat manufacturing industry at Island Packet Yachts (IPY) Largo, Florida.

“…Styrene exposure can cause permanent and progressive damage to the auditory system in rats even after exposure has ceased. 10,11 Styrene has been shown to be a potent ototoxicant by itself, and can have a synergistic effect when presented together with noise or ethanol. 12,13,14,15 …”

Walk-through survey report: styrene and noise exposures during fiber reinforced plastic boat manufacturing at U.S. Marine Incorporated, Arlington, Washington.

“…Styrene exposure can cause permanent and progressive damage to the auditory system in rats even after exposure has ceased. 9,10 Styrene has been shown to be a potent ototoxicant by itself, and can have a synergistic effect when presented together with noise or ethanol. 11,12,13,14 The primary sources of environmental evaluation standards and guidelines for the workplace are: 1) the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), 15 2) The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (REL), 16 and 3) the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists= (ACGIH ® ) Threshold Limit Values (TLV ® ).…”