The German Government's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) announced recently that its research into the risks posed by styrene indicate that a human enzyme found in the lungs could convert styrene to styrene oxide, which is known to be tumorigenic, or a cancer causing agent. BFR claims its scientists have succeeded in detecting the enzymes involved in styrene conversion in human lung tissue, which have an effect comparable to that of the mouse.

BFR study notes that previous research into styrene has found that after inhalation of styrene, tumours form in the lungs of mice. Up to now, these enzymes have not been detected in rats, nor has styrene oxide or the tumours described in mice. The substance styrene oxide is formed in the cells of the lung tissue under the influence of specific enzymes. BFR notes that the question whether the enzymes occur at a level which is sufficient for the formation of tumours cannot be definitively answered on the basis of the available data, indicating that more research needs to be done to come to a conclusion. Will this new finding have implications for plant workers who are involved in processing industry manufacturing PS end products?

The European Chemicals Bureau is currently completing a risk assessment of styrene. So far the working group overseeing the risk assessment has maintained that styrene should not be reclassified as a potential cancer-causing agent. The ECU group did conclude that styrene can cause respiratory tract irritation, and has proposed an amendment to reflect the finding.