Styrene production, use, and human exposure

Crit Rev Toxicol. 1994:24 Suppl:S1-10. doi: 10.3109/10408449409020137.

Abstract

Styrene is an extremely important commodity chemical used extensively in the manufacture of numerous polymers and copolymers, including polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), styrene-butadiene latex, and styrene-butadiene rubber. Styrene is a component of cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust, and it may occur naturally at low levels in various types of foods. The highest potential human exposures to styrene occur in occupational settings, particularly those involving the production of large glass-reinforced polyester products such as boats, which require manual lay-up and spray-up operations. Substantially lower occupational exposures occur in styrene monomer and polymer production facilities. The general public is exposed to very low concentrations of styrene in ambient air, indoor air, food, and drinking water.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Pollution* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Styrene
  • Styrenes* / analysis
  • Styrenes* / chemical synthesis
  • Styrenes* / supply & distribution

Substances

  • Styrenes
  • Styrene