THE EFFECTS OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ON STYRENE EXPOSURE IN WORKERS IN THE REINFORCED-PLASTICS INDUSTRY

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 35  (5) , 287-294
Abstract
This study was designed to determine whether styrene absorption through the skin results in measurable changes in biologic indicators of styrene exposure using a group of workers engaged in hand lay-up operations during which extensive styrene skin contact occurs. Serial measurements of expired breath and blood styrene and urinary excretion of mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid were made in 8 female workers during 4 consecutive days using different experimental conditions including either gloves/protective clothing alone, respirator alone, both gloves/protective clothing and respirator, or neither respirator nor gloves/protective clothing. A 2-by-2 factorial design imbedded in a Latin square design allowed estimation of the effects of the 2 types of protection (i.e., gloves/clothing and respiratory) and any interaction. Levels of styrene in venous blood and expired breath and urine mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acid excretion were no different when gloves/clothes were used as protection compared to no protection at all. Significant reduction in all biologic indices occurred when respiratory protection was used. Percutaneous absorption of styrene is not a significant exposure source and does not significantly contribute to the body burden of styrene of workers in the reinforced plastic industry engaged in hand lay-up operations. Respiratory protective devices were the most effective means for reducing styrene absorption. Even though skin absorption of styrene is limited, skin protection is necessary because of the risk of dermatitis.

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