Lack of nephrotoxicity of styrene at current TLV level (50 ppm)

Summary Biochemical markers of kidney damage were examined in 37 female workers exposed to an average concentration of 225 mg/m³ of styrene. The concentration of mandelic acid in urine was on the average 759 mg/g creatinine. The mean duration of employment of the exposed subjects was 11 years. The results were compared to those obtained in 35 control female workers matched for age and a number of demographic and lifestyle factors and with no history of exposure to organic solvents. No difference was found in the urinary excretion of albumin, beta₂-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, total proteins, glucose, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase and beta-N-acetyld-glucosaminidase. The present study provides thus further evidence that exposure to styrene at the current TLV (215 mg/m³) does not entail any detectable risk for the renal function.