Anyone ever had liver enzymes show high on a blood test? aka WEAR YOUR RESPIRATORS!

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#1

So I had to take a pre-employment blood test (for a non composites related job). And it turned up a bunch of my liver enzymes ended up high.

So I go into panic mode- I’m 24 years old, a healthy body weight, haven’t lost or gained significant weight in 6 years, never felt sick, jaundiced, never smoked, only drink in moderation, etc. So I’m freaked out.

In looking through possible causes for the readongs to be high, aside from prolonged alchohol abuse, hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrohsis, and anabolic steroid use, one thing that can cause it is exposure to VOC’s, styrene included.

So anyways obviously this has scared me straight, but in the past I haven’t always been super-disciplined about using a respirator.I’ve never had any symtoms of overexposure, but this seems like a common link.

So, just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or any other comments?
Thanks guys.

#2

The only time I think I have been overexposed is when I can smell the styrene after I am cleaned up.

My nose doesnt work very well and short of me huffing right out of an acetone can, most of it doesnt bother me.

Not too long ago I was working on some stuff and for about 6 hours afterwards I could smell the styrene from laying the molds…after I took a shower and was completely cleaned up mind you and no where near any.

I kept asking if my girl smelled the stuff and she kept looking at me like I was crazy. Then I knew I overloaded on it and created a neural loop for the scent.

#3

you are lucky, you got a warning, most of the time guys don’t figure this out until they have to spend a couple of weeks in the hospital (or die). respirators are MANDITORY, and cartriges MUST be changed on regular basis, they can only absorb so much and stop working, you cannot tell when they stop working as the levels start to gradually creep up on you. saftey is job one.