- DNA single strand breaks induced by low levels of occupational exposure to styrene: the gap between standards and reality.
DNA single strand breaks induced by low levels of occupational exposure to styrene: the gap between standards and reality.
Journal of environmental pathology, toxicology and oncology : official organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer (2002-04-06)
Magdy Y Shamy, Hazem H Osman, Kamal M Kandeel, Nehad M Abdel-Moneim, Said Khalid F El
PMID11934013
ABSTRACT
Styrene is a known mutagen and suspected carcinogen, used in the reinforced plastic industry. This study aims to identify the occurrence of DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) in workers exposed to styrene levels far below the recommended standards. We compared 26 exposed workers with 26 control subjects and found a significant increase in the incidence of DNA-SSBs in the exposed individuals. The levels of the biological indices of exposure (urinary mandelic and phenyl glyoxylic acids) were less than 25% of the recommended limits. Reduction of the threshold limit values/time-weighted-average (TLV-TWA) applied is strongly recommended.