Solvent naphtha (coal), xylene-styrene cut

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

other: Review

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Review and publications in peer reviewed literature.

Data source

Reference

Reference 1

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Studies on the inhalation of 1,3-butadiene; with a comparison of its narcotic effect with benzol, toluol and styrene, and a note on the elimination of styrene by the human

Author:

Carpenter CP, Shaffer CB, Weir CS, Smyth HF

Year:

1944

Bibliographic source:

J Ind Hyg Toxicol 26; 69-78

Reference 2

Reference Type:

other: Quoted in review article

Title:

Human exposure to styrene vapour.

Author:

Stewart RS Dodd HC, Baretta ED and Schaeffer AW

Year:

1968

Bibliographic source:

Arch. Environ. Health. 16, 656-662.

Reference 3

Reference Type:

review article or handbook

Title:

Styrene its experimental and clinical toxicology

Author:

Harkonen H

Year:

1978

Bibliographic source:

Scand j work environ & health 4 suppl 2 104-113

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Data on volunteers exposed to styrene.

Endpoint addressed:

acute toxicity: inhalation

eye irritation

respiratory irritation

Test material

Test material information

Constituent 1

Reference substance name:

Styrene

EC Number:

202-851-5

EC Name:

Styrene

Cas Number:

100-42-5

Molecular formula:

C8H8

IUPAC Name:

styrene

Method

Ethical approval:

not specified

Details on exposure:

Human volunteer studies
Carpenter et al
volunteers exposed to 800ppm styrene for 4 hours
Stewart et al (reviewed by Harkonen)
Exposure chamber used
5 volunteers exposed to 99 ppm styrene for 7 hours
5 volunteers exposed to 375 ppm styrene for 50 minutes
1-5 volunteers exposed to 0, 5, 216 and 376 ppm styrene for 1 hour
1-5 volunteers exposed to 117 ppm styrene for 2 hours
6 volunteers exposed to 100 ppm for 7 hours (with 30 min break)

Results and discussion

Results:

Carpenter
Exposure to 800 ppm styrene caused immediate eye irritation and throat irritation, metallic taste and signs of CNS effects (listlessness, drowsiness, impaired balance). After exposure was stopped symptoms reported were slight muscular weakness, unsteadiness, inertia and depression. Tests for tapping rate and unsteadiness were performed and although effects on tapping time were not conclusive, a marked increase in unsteadiness was reported.
Stewart (reviewed by Harkonen)
Five volunteers were exposed to 99 ppm styrene for seven hours symptoms were slight irritation of the respiratory tract (throat) and eyes.
At concentration of 375 ppm styrene for 50 minutes - after 45 minutes one volunteer experienced nausea, two had headaches and two experienced slight inebriation.
Volunteers exposed to 50, 216 and 376 ppm styrene for one hour or 117 ppm for 2 hours. Further 6 exposed to 100 ppm of styrene for 7 hours with a 30 minute break. Tested during exposure using Crawford tests for manual dexterity and Flannagan test for coordination. Impaired performance, 10-30% below pre-exposure values noted in all the psychomotor tests at 376 ppm but no significant effects were observed at 216 ppm or below. No effects at 100 ppm for 7 hours.

Applicant's summary and conclusion

Conclusions:

IRRITATION There is evidence from human volunteer studies that styrene vapour causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract (throat, nasal passages) at a dose level of 375 ppm and above. NOAEC values for irritation are 216 ppm for 1 hour and 100 ppm for 7 hours.
CNS EFFECTS No CNS depression was seen in humans exposed to 100 ppm for 7 hours. CNS depression, measured by phsycomotor tests, was noted after exposure to 376 ppm for 1 hour but no significant effects were observed at 216 ppm for 1 hour.