Styrene is an oily organic liquid with an aromatic odor that is used as a building block for polymers in the manufacture of plastics, resins, coatings, and paints. Short-term health effects of styrene exposure include nervous system effects such as depression, loss of concentration, weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Potential long-term effects include liver and nerve tissue damage. Styrene has been designated as a possible human carcinogen. The drinking water standard (Maximum Contaminant Level, or MCL) for styrene is 0.1 parts per million (ppm). Styrene when released into water rapidly evaporates or is degraded by microorganisms. It does not bind to soils and may leach to ground water. However, its rapid degradation minimizes its leaching potential. Styrene does not tend to accumulate in aquatic life. It is also found in the air and in the microgram/cubic meter range.

Resources

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consumer Factsheet on: Styrene. May 22, 2002 [cited June 23, 2002]. .

Organizations

The Styrene Information and Research Center, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1200, Arlington, Virginia USA 22209, (703) 741-5010, Fax: (703) 741-6010),