Biomonitoring of industrial styrene exposures

Worker exposure to styrene in two fiberglass boat plants was evaluated using conventional sampling techniques. The use of expired air and urine metabolite concentrations as indicators of styrene exposure is evaluated. The concentration of mandelic acid, a styrene metabolite in urine, is quantitated for workers without and with intermittent personal respiratory protection. A urinary Biological Limit Value is determined for exposures to the Threshold Limit Value of styrene.