Styrene: Evaluation of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity

Styrene is used to make polystyrene and synthetic rubber. It is found in packaging material and insulation material for buildings, and in glass fibre reinforced plastic products such as boats, containers and wind turbine blades. Occupational exposure to styrene occurs during the production of styrene and styrene-based materials. 

At request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, the Health Council’s subcommittee on the Classification of carcinogenic substances has evaluated the carcinogenic properties of styrene. The committee concludes that the evidence for carcinogenicity is limited, yet sufficient to classify styrene in hazard category 1B: substance presumed to be carcinogenic to humans. The committee has also evaluated the mutagenic properties of styrene, which means that the substance can permanently change the genetic material of cells. The committee concludes that the evidence for mutagenicity is limited. Therefore, the committee recommends classifying styrene in hazard category 2: substance suspected to induce heritable mutations in the germ cells of humans.

The European Food Safety Authority is currently preparing a report to evaluate the potential genotoxicity of styrene after oral exposure.