Neurotoxic effects of styrene: further evidence

Br J Ind Med. 1990 Jan;47(1):29-37. doi: 10.1136/oem.47.1.29.

Abstract

The relation of exposure to styrene to measures of nervous system function was investigated in 70 men working in four factories in the Montreal area of Quebec. Mild sensory nerve conduction deficits were found, the proportion with such deficits rising from 23% in those exposed to less than 50 ppm to 71% in those exposed to more than 100 ppm. Reaction time was slower for those with a larger body burden, as indicated by area under the excretion curve, and for those who failed to clear the metabolite during the weekend. No slowing in conduction time was found among a small group of five men exposed to more than 100 ppm for less than four weeks. There was some evidence that both central and peripheral slowing recovered when workers were removed from exposure. Uptake, storage, or elimination of styrene was influenced by the physical demands of the work, skinfold thickness, cumulative exposure, and alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, only the wearing of a mask and current consumption of alcohol were associated with a lower risk of sensory conduction deficit. While there was no clear indication that neurotoxic effects were related to individual differences in the capacity to metabolise high concentrations of styrene, measurement of urinary metabolites may be helpful in identifying those at highest risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandelic Acids / urine
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / urine
  • Neural Conduction / drug effects
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Occupational Diseases / urine
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Quebec
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Styrene
  • Styrenes / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Mandelic Acids
  • Styrenes
  • Styrene
  • mandelic acid