CARBON-DISULFIDE .4. CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION IN WORKERS IN THE VISCOSE INDUSTRY

Objective The aim of the study was to examine whether an increase can be detected in the prevalence of coronary heart disease or a higher pr evalence of unusual cardiological findings in workers with occupationa l exposure to carbon disulphide (CS2) at the level of the threshold li mit value of 10 ppm currently valid in occupational medicine. Methods In a cross-sectional study we investigated 247 men occupationally expo sed to CS2 and a comparable control group (n = 222). The current expos ure to CS2 was measured using personal air monitoring and biological m onitoring of all test persons. A cumulative exposure index (median of CS2 exposure in the past multiplied by the duration of employment) was calculated. In addition to collecting comprehensive anamnestic data o n all persons, we carried out a physical examination, an ultrasound ex amination of the large arteries, a resting and exercise ECG and an ech ocardiographic examination. Results No increase could be found in the prevalence of coronary heart disease or of arteriosclerotic findings i n the exposed subjects. There was no difference in the distribution of the performance of the two groups in the ergometric tests. The echoca rdiogram showed a median increase in the diameter of the left atrium a nd left ventricle of 1-2 mm in the exposed subjects. These differences could also be confirmed statistically after multiple linear regressio n analysis. The left ventricular, telesystolic diameter was positively associated (P < 0.05) with internal exposure (CS2 metabolite in urine ), and fractional shortening revealed a plausible negative trend (P = 0.0755). Current external exposure (CS2 in air) and cumulative exposur e did not influence any of the parameters investigated. Conclusion The findings may indicate a negatively inotropic effect of CS2 so far unk nown in man. However, no clinical relevance for this effect was appare nt.