Occupational Exposures to Styrene Vapor in a Manufacturing Plant for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

The closed molding VARTM process was very effective at controlling worker exposures to styrene. Personal breathing zone styrene air samples were reduced by an order of magnitude after changes were made to the glue wipe task. The company used chemical substitution to eliminate styrene exposure during the installation of the safety platform. Recommendations were provided to reduce styrene concentrations during gelcoating.