[Health effects following occupational styrene exposure in the reinforced plastics industry].

This is a summary of the health risks of occupational styrene exposure based on recent reviews. We conclude about the exposure levels that there is strong evidence that styrene causes acute irritation of eyes and respiratory tract above 25 ppm, genotoxic effects above 10 ppm, and persistent nervous system effects with for instance reduced psychological performance, colour discrimination and hearing level following long-term styrene exposure above 10 ppm. There is moderate evidence of a causal association with cancer, but data are not sufficient to allow us to pinpoint specific cancers at risk or relevant exposure levels. We recommend reconsideration of the current Danish threshold limit value of 25 ppm, biological monitoring of styrene exposed workers, and epidemiological analyses of styrene exposure levels and long-term health effects among employees of the Danish reinforced plastics industry.