Migliore L 1, Naccarati A, Coppedè F, Bergamaschi E, De Palma G, Voho A, Manini P, Järventaus H, Mutti A, Norppa H, Hirvonen A. Styrene (100-42-5) is listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. The Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.Ģ.DHHS/National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens, Fourteenth Edition: Styrene (November 2016). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). This includes monitoring for styrene-related cancers and tumors.ġ. The only treatment for styrene toxicity is treating the effects and symptoms of exposure and avoiding re-exposure to styrene. What Treatments are Available for Styrene Toxicity? After exposure to light, air, or heat, Styrol hardened into a rubber-like material he called Styroloxyd, now known as polystyrene. In 1839, German apothecary Eduard Simon isolated styrene from the sap of the oriental sweetgum tree.

This suggests that styrene has genotoxic effects on exposed workers that is potentiated by the GSTT1 gene deletion.Īreas where GSTT1-null genotype are found There is some evidence that workers exposed to styrene that have the GSTT1 null genotype have an increase in micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBD). Is There Genetic Susceptibility to Styrene? “Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” by The Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program.What are the Known Target Organs of Styrene? The tumorigenic response of styrene is dependent on the balance between the rate of activation and rate of detoxification, though information on these rates in humans is not available. This indicates that it can cause tumor growth in locations other than where it is formed.

Styrene-7,8-oxide is a metabolite of styrene that is genotoxic and can travel by blood in humans. It is metabolized in mice in the liver and lungs. Styrene can be oxidized by many CYP450 isozymes, so activation and deactivation of styrene can vary based on tissue type. Not much is known about styrene’s mechanism of action or toxicokinetics. What is Known of Styrene’s Toxicokinetics and Mechanism of Action? In the photo below, the metabolites from styrene bond to the DNA base guanine and cause carcinogenic effects. Metabolic action is required for carcinogenicity and toxicity.

Styrene is extensively metabolized by the body enzymes into other chemicals that are excreted through urine. A small amount of styrene is ingested or absorbed through dermal contact. The main method of styrene exposure is inhalation. How Does Styrene’s Biotransformation Lead to Carcinogenicity?

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