Definition
A colorless, toxic liquid with a strong aromatic odor. It is used to make rubbers, polymers and copolymers, and polystyrene plastics.
Present in cranberry, bilberry, currants, grapes, vinegar, parsley, milk and dairy products, whisky, cocoa, coffee, tea, roasted filberts and peanuts. Flavouring ingredient. Polymers are used in ion-exchange resins in food processing. Indirect food additive arising from adhesives, oatings and packaging materials Styrene, also known as vinyl benzene, is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations confer a less pleasant odor. Styrene is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. Low levels of styrene occur naturally in plants as well as a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats. (Wikipedia)
Description
Styrene is found in alcoholic beverages. Styrene is present in cranberry, bilberry, currants, grapes, vinegar, parsley, milk and dairy products, whisky, cocoa, coffee, tea, roasted filberts and peanuts. Styrene is a flavouring ingredient. Polymers are used in ion-exchange resins in food processing. Indirect food additive arising from adhesives, oatings and packaging materials. Styrene, also known as vinyl benzene, is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations confer a less pleasant odor. Styrene is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. Low levels of styrene occur naturally in plants as well as a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats. (Wikipedia) Styrene has been shown to exhibit signalling and catabolic functions (A7738, A7739). Styrene belongs to the family of Styrenes. These are organic compounds containing an ethenylbenzene moiety.
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
General Information
- Metabolism: Styrene may be absorbed following ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. It distributes throughout the body in the blood, concentrating in the adipose tissue, kidney, and liver. The primary metabolic pathway is oxidation of the side chain by cytochrome P450 to form styrene 7,8-oxide. Styrene oxide is predominantly metabolized by epoxide hydrolase to form styrene glycol; the styrene glycol is subsequently converted to mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid, and hippuric acid. Styrene 7,8-oxide can also be conjugated with glutathione to ultimately form phenylhydroxylethylmercapturic acids. A minor pathway of styrene metabolism involves the formation of phenylacetaldehyde from styrene 7,8-oxide or cytochrome P450 conversion of styrene to pheylethanol and subsequent metabolism to phenylacetic acid. An alternative minor pathway involves ring oxidation resulting in the production of styrene 3,4-oxide, which is further metabolized to 4-vinylphenol. The metabolites of styrene are excreted mainly in the urine. (T45)
- Uses/Sources: Styrene is used to make plastics and rubber. It is a precursor to polystyrene and may be found in insulation, fiberglass, plastic pipes, automobile parts, shoes, drinking cups and other food containers, and carpet backing. Low levels of styrene also occur naturally in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats. Small amounts of styrene can be transferred to food from styrene-based packaging material. (L1831)
- Health Effects: Styrene causes nervous system depression and may be carcinogenic. Animals studies have also shown that hearing loss and liver damage may occur. (L1831, L1832)
- Symptoms: Breathing high levels of styrene may cause nervous system effects such as changes in color vision, tiredness, feeling drunk, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, or balance problems. Chest burning, wheezing, and dyspnea may also occur. Styrene is irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. (L1831, L1832)
- Treatment: Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive. Respiratory assistance may be needed. (L1832)
- Route of Exposure: Oral (L1832) ; Inhalation (L1832) ; Dermal (L1832)
Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity: 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans. (L135)
- Toxicity: LD50: 316 mg/kg (Oral, Mouse) (T14) LD50: 898 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Rat) (T14) LC50: 24 g/m3 over 4 hours (Inhalation, Rat) (T14)
- Minimum Risk Level: Acute Inhalation: 2 ppm (L134) Chronic Inhalation: 0.2 ppm (L134) Acute Oral: 0.1 mg/kg/day (L134)
Mechanism of Action
| Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
|---|---|---|
| DNA | Styrene 7,8-oxide, a metabolite of styrene, can form DNA adducts by binding to deoxyguanosine. It is also mutagenic and causes increased frequency of sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal aberrations, micronucleated cells, and DNA strand breaks. (L1831) |
2007 |