The effects of protective equipment on styrene exposure in workers in the reinforced plastics industry

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 eight female workers during 4 consecutive days using different experimental conditions including either (1) gloves/protective clothing alone, (2) respirator alone, (3) both gloves/protective clothing and respirator, or (4) neither respirator nor gloves/protective clothing. A two-by-two factorial design imbedded in a Latin square design allowed estimation of the effects of the two 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. The results of the study suggest that 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.