Styrene

Styrene is a chemical compound used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic rubber and polyester resins. In addition, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a flavoring agent and is used in such foods as ice cream and candy. Styrene exposure lowers a person\'s cellular energy and may cause cancer.

Exposure to styrene comes through a variety of sources. Dietary sources include food that has been packaged in polystyrene containers since styrene has been found to be able to migrate from the packaging to the food, as well as foods that contain styrene-based flavoring agents. Styrene has also been detected in numerous drinking water samples. Breast milk of women who have been exposed to styrene has also been found to have detectable levels of this chemical. Other sources of exposure include cigarette smoke and the inhalation of air polluted by auto exhaust, incineration emissions or industrial sources of styrene. Persons involved in boat or auto repair as well as home improvement projects may be exposed to styrene containing materials.

The World Health Organization classifies styrene as being possibly carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer) to human. This categorization was based upon a variety of insights including findings that styrene damages chromosomes (genetic material) in experimental research as well as the observation that it has this effect in individuals who had exposure to styrene through their workplace.

Some of the notable symptoms of styrene sickness, often caused by workplace styrene vapor or mist exposure are central nervous system (CNS) manifestations including headaches, depression and peripheral neuropathies (impaired nerve functioning in legs and arms). These and the other clinical outcomes of styrene exposure including fatigue and weakness may be related to styrenes ability to disrupt a cellular energy-producing process known as oxidative phosphorylation. This results in a diminished supply of cellular energy available to power the cells, which causes the inefficient functioning of many body systems.

Exposure to styrene comes through a variety of sources. Dietary sources include food that has been packaged in polystyrene containers since styrene has been found to be able to migrate from the packaging to the food, as well as foods that contain styrene-based flavoring agents. Styrene has also been detected in numerous drinking water samples. Breast milk of women who have been exposed to styrene has also been found to have detectable levels of this chemical. Other sources of exposure include cigarette smoke and the inhalation of air polluted by auto exhaust and incineration emissions. Industrial sources of styrene include boats, bathtubs and showers, piping, automobile and truck parts, building materials, paint and polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers. Persons involved in boat or auto repair as well as home improvement projects may be exposed to styrene containing materials.

The World Health Organization classifies styrene as being possibly carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer) to human. This categorization was based upon a variety of insights including findings that styrene damages chromosomes (genetic material) in experimental research as well as the observation that it has this effect in individuals who had exposure to styrene through their workplace. Some of the notable symptoms of styrene sickness, often caused by workplace styrene vapor or mist exposure are central nervous system (CNS) manifestations including headaches, depression and peripheral neuropathies (impaired nerve functioning in legs and arms). These and the other clinical outcomes of styrene exposure including fatigue and weakness may be related to styrenes ability to disrupt a cellular energy-producing process known as oxidative phosphorylation. This results in a diminished supply of cellular energy available to power the cells, which causes the inefficient functioning of many body systems.