Estimation of human exposure to styrene and ethylbenzene.

In the present studies, human exposure to styrene and to ethylbenzene (EB) is assessed on the basis of literature data. Total styrene and total EB exposure result from inhalation and from food intake. Styrene and EB inhaled represent the greatest proportion of the total intake. Styrene and EB content in food is mainly caused by migration from polymer packaging material. The daily styrene exposure is estimated to range from 18.2 to 55.2 microg/person, corresponding to an annual exposure of 6.7 to 20.2 mg/person. The daily EB exposure is estimated to be about 130 microg/person, corresponding to an annual exposure of 46 mg/person. Cigarette smoking is another important factor for styrene and EB intake by smokers.