What does styrene do to humans?
Chronic (long-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in effects on the central nervous system (CNS), such as headache, fatigue, weakness, and depression, CSN dysfunction, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy.
Is styrene harmful to health?
Health effects of styrene include irritation of the skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract. Acute exposure may also result in gastrointestinal effects.
Is styrene harmful to breathe?
Acute exposure to styrene by inhalation can give rise to irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, increased nasal secretion, wheezing and coughing. A more severe exposure to styrene can lead to the onset of CNS depression, the effects of which are commonly termed “styrene sickness”.
How do you get exposed to styrene?
People may be exposed to styrene through breathing indoor air that has styrene vapors from building materials, photocopiers, tobacco smoke, and other products. Smokers are exposed to styrene because it occurs in cigarette smoke.
Is styrene a human carcinogen?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists styrene as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that styrene is a possible human carcinogen.
What products are styrene found in?
Styrene is used to make rubber and plastic. Products made with styrene include: packaging, electrical and thermal insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile parts, carpet backing, drinking cups and other items used to serve or package food.
Why is styrene toxic?
Styrene is extensively metabolized by the body enzymes into other chemicals that are excreted through urine. Metabolic action is required for carcinogenicity and toxicity. In the photo below, the metabolites from styrene bond to the DNA base guanine and cause carcinogenic effects.
Does styrene leave your body?
Leave your body: Once in your body, styrene is broken down into other chemicals. Most of these other chemicals leave your body in the urine within few days.
What are the dangers of styrene exposure?
“exposure to styrene vapor can cause irritations of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as toxic effects on the liver, and can act as a depressant on the central nervous system that also causes neurological impairment.”
Is styrene a harmful gas?
Yes, styrene is a harmful gas. Styrene is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily.In its pure form, styrene has a sweet smell. Manufactured styrene may contain aldehydes, which give it a sharp, unpleasant odor. Health effects of styrene include irritation of the skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract.
How does styrene affect the body?
Stop smoking. Styrene is found in tobacco smoke.
What are the uses and benefits of styrene?
use in building construction where they provide energy conservation. They have the ability to be recycled where collec-tion systems are available. In many cases, styrene helps create products for which there are few, if any, substitutes. Altogether, these materials provide benefits that give peace of mind and add quality to life for people worldwide. It