IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Effects of exposure peaks on styrene neurotoxicity in the Fibreglass-Reinforced Plastics Sector. Phase 1

Abstract

One of the tasks of workers in the fibreglass-reinforced plastics industry is to spread resin on large surfaces. Such an operation involves noncontinuous exposure to various chemical substances, including styrene. The researchers wanted to characterize the true exposure profiles of the workers in the companies as well as determine whether this solvent caused effects on the nervous systems of people exposed to experimentally-generated concentration peaks. The results show that the concentrations of the exposure peaks are up to 16 times higher than the average value, and that in some cases they exceed the Québec standard. They also reveal that when the experiments are carried out under controlled conditions, the nervous system is not affected by styrene if its concentration remains within the prescribed standards. It remains to be verified whether these results would be different in workplaces.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0098-0150
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2002
Team:
  • Adolf Vyskocil (Université de Montréal)
  • Claude Viau (Université de Montréal)
  • Michel Gérin (Université de Montréal)
  • Robert Tardif (Université de Montréal)
  • Gaétan Carrier (Université de Montréal)
  • Bernadette Ska (Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal)
  • Jean-Pierre Farant (Université McGill)
  • Alice Turcot (Direction régionale de santé publique)