Styrene Toxicity: An Ecotoxicological Assessment

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 181 - 194
• Main Authors: Gibbs, Bernard F., Mulligan, Catherine N.
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01-12-1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Canada; Carcinogens - chemistry; Carcinogens - metabolism; Carcinogens - toxicity; Ecosystem; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Environmental Monitoring; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Microsomes, Liver - metabolism; Mutagens - chemistry; Mutagens - metabolism; Mutagens - toxicity; Occupational Exposure; Plastics - chemical synthesis; Species Specificity; Styrene; Styrenes - chemistry; Styrenes - metabolism; Styrenes - toxicity; Terrestrial environment, soil, air; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Canada; Biodegradation; Waste dumping; Ecotoxicology; Pollutant behavior; Toxicity; Review; Polycyclic aromatic compound; Industrial waste; Environment impact; Styrene; Air pollution; Biological effect; Physicochemical properties
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1006/eesa.1997.1526

Although other aromatic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), etc.) have been thoroughly studied over the years, styrene has been given little attention probably due to its lower rate of industrial use. In addition, it is less toxic than benzene and PAH, proven carcinogens. However, it is classified as a mutagen and thus potentially carcinogenic. Its main use is in the production of the polymer polystyrene and in the production of plastics, rubber, resins, and insulators. Entry into the environment is mainly through industrial and municipal discharges. In this review, the toxicological effects of styrene on humans, animals, and plants are discussed. Its mode of entry and methods of monitoring its presence are examined. Although its effects on humans and aquatic life have been studied, the data on short- or long-term exposures to plants, birds, and land animals are insufficient to be conclusive. Since exposure to workers can result in memory loss, difficulties in concentration and learning, brain and liver damage, and cancer, development of accurate methods to monitor its exposure is essential. In addition, the review outlines the present state of styrene in the environment and suggests ways to deal with its presence. It might appear that the quantities are not sufficient to harm humans, but more data are necessary to evaluate its effect, especially on workers who are regularly exposed to it.