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.