We reviewed the toxicokinetics of styrene to introduce reliable surrogates for the biological monitoring of styrene workers. We have also discussed the extraction techniques and analytical methods of styrene and its metabolites. Sample preparation is the main bottleneck of the analytical techniques for styrene and its metabolites. Although some microextraction methods have been developed to overcome such disadvantages, some still have limitations such as long extraction time, fiber swelling and breakage, and the cost and the limited lifetime of the fiber. Among all, microextraction by packed sorbents, coupled with HPLC with ultraviolet detection (MEPS-HPLC-UV), can be the method of choice for determining styrene metabolites. Few studies investigated unchanged styrene in breath samples. Chemical determination of styrene in exhaled breath provides new insights into organ toxicity in workers with inhalation exposures and can be considered a fascinating tool in risk assessment strategies. Taking blood samples is invasive and less accepted by workers. In contrast, breath analysis is the most attractive method for workers because breath samples are easy to collect and non-invasive, and sample collection does not require the transfer of workers to health facilities. Therefore, developing selective and sensitive methods for determining styrene in breath samples is recommended for future studies.
Keywords: breath; mandelic acid; phenylglyoxylic acid; styrene; urine.
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