Effects of exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) on electrocardiographic features of ischemic heart disease among viscose rayon factory workers.

The objective of the study was to evaluate viscose plant workers for electrocardiographic manifestations resulting from exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2). A total of 162 workers (118 in an exposure group and 44 in a reference group) were evaluated using a health questionnaire, physical check-up, biochemical analysis of blood samples and electrocardiograms (ECG). The exposure group consisted of workers in the following areas: viscose manufacturing, cellophane processing, ripening, and filament spinning. Reference group workers were from the administrative office, rolling area, pulp processing, and testing office. Only slight differences were found in the biochemical analyses of the two groups, with the exception of sodium (Na) levels. Personal and area sampling results were found to have a high variation due to different locations within the plant and a wide range of manufacturing processes. Highest CS2 concentrations were found in the ripening area (54.60 ppm) and the filament spinning area (19.60 ppm). Using a multiple logistic regression model to control variables (age, gender, body mass index, duration of employment, cholesterol, smoking, and alcohol), we found a relative risk for ECG abnormalities 4.18 times significantly higher for the exposure group. The authors feel that the installation of an adequate ventilation system could greatly reduce the risk of workers developing CS2-induced cardiovascular abnormalities.