Effect of styrene on postural stability among reinforced plastic boat plant workers in Finland.
OBJECTIVE
Many drugs are vestibulotoxic and may impair balance. Styrene is both ototoxic and neurotoxic, but its effect on balance has been little studied. We evaluate the effect of low concentrations of styrene on balance among Finnish fiberglass-reinforced plastic boat manufacturers.


METHODS
From 252 male employees, we measured postural stability and urine mandelic and phenylglycolic acid concentrations. Individual exposure to styrene in breathing zone was measured for 148 workers. For analysis, 88 matched pairs were selected.


RESULTS
The postural stability of laminators was aggravated compared with nonlaminators. This impairment was observed in young workers, and it worsened with age.


CONCLUSIONS
This study documents styrene as an additional risk factor in impaired postural stability, with the negative effects of the styrene exposure starting already in younger workers.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41a A, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland.
Esko
E
Toppila
Pia
P
Forsman
Ilmari
I
Pyykkö
Jukka
J
Starck
Timo
T
Tossavainen
Jukka
J
Uitti
Panu
P
Oksa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004856:Postural Balance; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D020058:Styrene / Q000009:adverse effects*
D020058:Styrene