Styrene

What are the hazards associated with styrene?

Health effects resulting from exposure to styrene are associated with the level and duration of exposure. Acute (high) exposures to styrene may result in respiratory effects, such as mucous membrane irritation, eye irritation and gastrointestinal effects. Chronic exposure to styrene may affect the central nervous system (CNS), with symptoms such as headache, fatigue, weakness, depression and CNS dysfunction.

Styrene has been tested for its potential to cause cancer in humans. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has classified styrene as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has given styrene a classification of 2B (Possibly Carcinogenic in Humans). 

Physical hazards attributed to styrene monomer are principally associated with its flammability. Styrene monomer is classified as a Category 3 flammable liquid.

What can I do to protect myself?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used to prevent or minimize exposure. Gloves, eye protection and other PPE may be necessary to prevent skin contact. Additionally, respiratory protection may be needed if exposure levels exceed the limits set in standard.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

A hazard communication program, hazardous chemical program, respiratory protection program, chemical hygiene plan, and personal protective equipment hazard assessment are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. 

Training and Outreach Services

The presentations on hazard communication, respiratory protection and personal protective equipment are available to assist employers in training their staff. Each of these presentations should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. 

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Further, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Topics

More related information can be found on the following safety and health topic pages: hazard communication, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, eyewash stations and emergency showers, flammable liquids  and medical services and first aid.

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to styrene in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General industry

• 29 CFR 1910.106 - flammable liquids
• 29 CFR 1910.1000 - air contaminants
• 29 CFR 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records (applicable to general industry, maritime and construction)
• 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication

Maritime, Shipyard Employment

• 29 CFR 1915.36 - flammable liquids
• 29 CFR 1915.1000 - air contaminants
• 29 CFR 1915.1200 - hazard communication

Construction

• 29 CFR 1926.55 - gases, vapors, fumes, dusts and mists
• 29 CFR 1926.59 - hazard communication
• 29 CFR 1926.152 - flammable liquids

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Industry Guides

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to styrene in construction.
• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training provides requirements for standards related to occupational exposure to styrene in general industry.
• Industry Guide 53 - OSHA Shipyard Employment Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to styrene in shipyard employment.

Technical Assistance

Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.