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Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology

ISSN for PRINT: 0731-8898

Institutional price:	$672.00
Issues per year:	4

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2002, Volume21

98 pages

Issue price - $160.00

DNA Single Strand Breaks Induced by Low Levels of Occupational Exposure to Styrene: The Gap between Standards and Reality

Magdy Y. Shamy
High Institute of Public Health, Occupational Health Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Hazem H. Osman
Faculty of Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Kamal M. Kandeel
Faculty of Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Nehad M. Abdel-Moneim
Faculty of Sciences, Biochemistry Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Khalid F. El Said
High Institute of Public Health, Occupational Health Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Styrene is a known mutagen and suspected carcinogen, used in the reinforced plastic industry. This study aims to identify the occurrence of DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) in workers exposed to styrene levels far below the recommended standards. We compared 26 exposed workers with 26 control subjects and found a significant increase in the incidence of DNA-SSBs in the exposed individuals. The levels of the biological indices of exposure (urinary mandelic and phenyl glyoxylic acids) were less than 25% of the recommended limits. Reduction of the threshold limit values/time-weighted-average (TLV-TWA) applied is strongly recommended.