Health monitoring for styrene

This guide helps doctors monitor the health of workers exposed to styrene.  

Styrene (CAS 100-42-5) is a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Styrene is a colourless, oily liquid with a sweet smell. The odour threshold for styrene is less than 1 part per million. 

The main uses of styrene include making: 

• Polystyrene plastics 

• resins 

• paints and sealers 

• other surface coatings. 

We use styrene products to make pipes, car parts, food containers and carpet backing. 

Examples of work involving styrene include: 

• fibreglass processes 

• making reinforced plastics 

• adding it to construction material. 

This guide is part of a health monitoring guide collection. 

There are also health monitoring guides for: 

• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) 

• guide for workers 

• registered medical practitioners 

• hazardous chemicals