Styrene
Various organisms produce styrene naturally, but styrene is also a synthetic chemical used for manufacturing plastic, rubber, and resins. It is present in a variety of consumer products containing styrofoam (polystyrene) and other plastics, including packaging materials, housewares, drinking cups, food packaging items, carpet backing, and home insulation materials. Styrene is readily volatile, thus all routes of exposure (ingestion, inhalation and dermal) are relevant if one is exposed via drinking water. Prolonged exposure to elevated styrene levels may lead to neurotoxic and genotoxic effects, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer. However, EPA has not assigned a cancer risk for styrene due to lack of adequate evidence.
Health Guideline Level (HGL)
0.5 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for styrene are based on increased incidence of cancer in laboratory animals and neurological effects on workers exposed to elevated styrene levels. There is some human evidence of heightened risk of lymphatic and blood system cancers, but EPA has not assigned a cancer risk for styrene. Genotoxicity has also been observed with prolonged exposure to styrene.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Produced naturally in small amounts by various plants, bacteria, and fungi
- Majority of styrene release into drinking water is a result of human activity, including releases of industrial effluent, especially from chemical, textile, latex, and coal gasification plants, and contamination from landfills and waste sites
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Styrene:
Health Guideline Level
The HGL represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Styrene is classified as a VOCs contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the nervous-system, carcinogens.
Check Your Water
Find out if Styrene is in your tap water.
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