Gibbs B F, Mulligan C N
Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 1997 Dec;38(3):181-94. doi: 10.1006/eesa.1997.1526.
Although other aromatic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), etc.) have been thoroughly studied over the years, styrene has been given little attention probably due to its lower rate of industrial use. In addition, it is less toxic than benzene and PAH, proven carcinogens. However, it is classified as a mutagen and thus potentially carcinogenic. Its main use is in the production of the polymer polystyrene and in the production of plastics, rubber, resins, and insulators. Entry into the environment is mainly through industrial and municipal discharges. In this review, the toxicological effects of styrene on humans, animals, and plants are discussed. Its mode of entry and methods of monitoring its presence are examined. Although its effects on humans and aquatic life have been studied, the data on short- or long-term exposures to plants, birds, and land animals are insufficient to be conclusive. Since exposure to workers can result in memory loss, difficulties in concentration and learning, brain and liver damage, and cancer, development of accurate methods to monitor its exposure is essential. In addition, the review outlines the present state of styrene in the environment and suggests ways to deal with its presence. It might appear that the quantities are not sufficient to harm humans, but more data are necessary to evaluate its effect, especially on workers who are regularly exposed to it.
尽管多年来对其他芳香族化合物（如苯、甲苯、多环芳烃等）已进行了深入研究，但苯乙烯可能因其工业使用率较低而未受到太多关注。此外，它的毒性低于苯和多环芳烃（已证实的致癌物）。然而，它被归类为诱变剂，因此具有潜在致癌性。其主要用途是生产聚合物聚苯乙烯以及用于制造塑料、橡胶、树脂和绝缘体。进入环境的主要途径是工业和城市排放。在本综述中，讨论了苯乙烯对人类、动物和植物的毒理学影响。研究了其进入途径和监测其存在的方法。尽管已经研究了其对人类和水生生物的影响，但关于短期或长期暴露于植物、鸟类和陆地动物的数据不足以得出确凿结论。由于工人接触苯乙烯会导致记忆力减退、注意力不集中和学习困难、脑和肝损伤以及癌症，因此开发准确的监测其暴露的方法至关重要。此外，该综述概述了环境中苯乙烯的现状，并提出了应对其存在的方法。看起来其数量不足以危害人类，但需要更多数据来评估其影响，尤其是对经常接触它的工人的影响。
