Hylea
Styrene High Risk
A chemical building block used to make polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex. Workers are exposed during manufacturing of boats, bathtubs, shower stalls, and countertops made with polyester resins.
Health Concerns
- Classified as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen
- Nervous system effects including concentration difficulties
- Hearing loss with chronic exposure
- Eye, skin, and respiratory irritation
- Potential reproductive effects
- Occupational asthma risk
Environmental Impact
- Releases during manufacturing contaminate air
- Found in urban air from vehicle exhaust and industrial sources
- Polystyrene products contribute to plastic pollution
- Difficult to recycle expanded polystyrene
Regulatory Status
EPA lists as hazardous air pollutant. OSHA has workplace exposure limits. California Prop 65 listed.
What to Avoid
Cultured marble countertops, fiberglass tub/shower units during installation, polystyrene foam packaging, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) products during manufacture
Safer Alternatives
Porcelain or ceramic fixtures, natural stone or quartz countertops, paper-based packaging, natural rubber products