Olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced-plastics industry

Area of Science:

• Occupational toxicology
• Neuroscience
• Environmental health

Background:

• Olfactory function impairment is linked to occupational chemical exposure.
• Styrene is a volatile chemical used in the reinforced-plastics industry.
• Potential links between styrene exposure and olfactory deficits require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene.
• To determine if styrene exposure is associated with olfactory impairment.
• To evaluate styrene-induced adaptation versus toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Olfactory function assessed via standardized tests: threshold sensitivity (phenylethyl alcohol), odor identification, and retronasal perception.
• Styrene odor detection thresholds measured to gauge specific adaptation.
• Comparison between styrene-exposed workers (≥4 years) and unexposed controls.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in general olfactory function tests between exposed workers and controls.
• Elevated styrene odor detection thresholds observed in exposed workers.
• Findings suggest exposure-induced adaptation rather than olfactory impairment.

Conclusions:

• Current study found no evidence of olfactory impairment from styrene exposure in reinforced-plastics workers.
• Styrene is unlikely to be an olfactory toxicant in humans at the studied concentrations.
• Results, considering human airway anatomy and metabolism, support styrene's low olfactory toxicity in humans.