Morbidity among persons employed in styrene production, polymerization and processing plants

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Industrial Toxicology
• Environmental Medicine

Background:

• BASF has a long history of styrene and polystyrene production since 1931.
• Worker exposure in styrene and polystyrene plants necessitates health and safety evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morbidity of workers exposed to styrene and polystyrene.
• To assess occupational exposure levels and their potential health impacts.

Main Methods:

• Morbidity investigation of 84 styrene and 93 polystyrene plant workers with varying years of exposure.
• Measurement of atmospheric styrene concentrations and extensive laboratory tests, including urinary mandelic acid.
• Consideration of absenteeism, accident rates, and blood sample analysis.

Main Results:

• Data on worker health, styrene exposure levels, and biological monitoring (urinary mandelic acid) were collected.
• Absenteeism and accident rates were analyzed in conjunction with exposure data.
• Health status of workers in styrene and polystyrene production was evaluated.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into the health outcomes of workers in styrene and polystyrene manufacturing.
• Findings contribute to understanding the occupational health risks associated with styrene exposure.
• The research supports the importance of monitoring worker health in chemical production environments.