Abstract

Workers in the fibreglass sector are exposed to styrene, a toxic substance. The effects of styrene on the nervous system are incompletely understood, and measures of exposure are imprecise.

The neurological function of workers was evaluated and correlated to urinary and air styrene levels.

Styrene exposure results in a decrease in sensory nerve conduction velocity. However, the effects are not persistent and do not progress in severity, disappearing a few days after exposure. Urine levels are better indices of exposure than ambient air levels. The facemasks used as respiratory protection appear ineffective.

Biological monitoring of urinary styrene levels is feasible. The effectiveness of current respiratory protection should be studied further.