European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

HEALTH HAZARDOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF STYRENE IN BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN NEUROTOXICITY

Priya Das*, Aaheli Basu, Arpita Biswas, Supradip Mandal, Dr. Falguni Patra, Dr. Bankim Nandi, Dr. Khokan Bera, Dr. Dhrubo Jyoti Sen and Dr. Beduin Mahanti

ABSTRACT

Styrene, also known as ethenylbenzene, vinylbenzene, and phenylethene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2. This derivative of benzene is a colorless oily liquid although aged samples can appear yellowish. The compound evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations have a less pleasant odor. Styrene is the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. Styrene is a chemical used to make latex, synthetic rubber, and polystyrene resins. These resins are used to make plastic packaging, disposable cups and containers, insulation, and other products. Styrene is also produced naturally in some plants. People may be exposed to styrene by breathing it in the air. Styrene is often detected in urban air. It can be found indoors as a result of operating photocopiers and laser printers, and from cigarette smoke. Small amounts may be eaten when styrene migrates into foods from packaging made of polystryrene. The human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of styrene are unknown. Workers exposed to large amounts of styrene can develop irritation of the eyes and breathing passages. With long-term and large exposures, workers using styrene have had injury to their nervous systems.

Keywords: Styrene, Epoxidation, CYP450, Neurotoxicity, Carcinogenicity.