Styrene — biological monitoring
When to suspect: FRP / GRP boat & tank fabrication, polyester-resin lamination, styrene-butadiene rubber, polystyrene mfg, shipbuilding.
Urinary mandelic + phenylglyoxylic acid (MA + PGA) (mg/g creatinine)
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negligible | Non-exposed (low background; non-specific) |
| 400 | ACGIH BEI — end of shift (= 0.4 g/g) |
Ethylbenzene co-exposure also yields MA+PGA (shared pathway). Companion BEI: styrene in blood 0.2 mg/L.
Biological exposure index
ACGIH BEI = 400 mg/g creatinine MA+PGA (end of shift); blood styrene 0.2 mg/L (end of shift).
Basis: ACGIH BEI.
Sample collection & preparation
- Spot urine, end-of-shift; plain container; co-measure creatinine.
- Note ethylbenzene co-exposure (interference).
- Refrigerate / freeze.
Statutory basis. Factories Act 1948 sets only AIR limits (Second Schedule TWA/STEL, s.41F) and mandates the hazardous-process exam (s.41C, ≤12-monthly); it gives NO blood/urine values. The ranges below are ACGIH BEI / OSHA / clinical benchmarks (India has not adopted biological limits into law).
Reference information for occupational-health professionals — not medical advice, and not a substitute for examination by a qualified physician.
All 27 agents — toxicology & biological monitoring
MedFactory — Occupational Health Centre software for Indian factories