Non-malignant respiratory disease among workers in industries using styrene-A review of the evidence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Asthma and obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) cases have occurred among styrene-exposed workers. We aimed to investigate styrene as a risk factor for non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD).

Methods

From a literature review, we identified case reports and assessed cross-sectional and mortality studies for strength of evidence of positive association (i.e., strong, intermediate, suggestive, none) between styrene exposure and NMRD-related morbidity and mortality.

Results

We analyzed 55 articles and two unpublished case reports. Ten OB cases and eight asthma cases were identified. Six (75%) asthma cases had abnormal styrene inhalation challenges. Thirteen (87%) of 15 cross-sectional studies and 12 (50%) of 24 mortality studies provided at least suggestive eviden

SUBMITTER: Nett RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5379121 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature