Cardiovascular effects of occupational exposure to carbon disulphide

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of occupational e xposure to carbon disulphide (CS2) on the total cholesterol, blood pressure and prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A cross-sectional study in volving 252 Viscose rayon workers and 252 age and sex matched controls was carried out. Depending on the job and specific work place, the CS2 concentr ations were between 10 and 64 mg/m(3). A cumulative exposure index (CS2 ind ex) was calculated for each worker by multiplying the number of years he ha d held a particular job with the CS2 concentrations in that job. CHD preval ence among the exposed was higher than among the controls; the difference r eaching significance only for highly exposed workers. Cholesterol levels we re significantly higher in both highly and moderately exposed groups, in co nclusion. the results demonstrated that occupational exposure to CS2 increa ses total cholesterol and the risk for CHD. While the risk for CHD is incre ased in workers exposed to high CS2 concentration for many years (CS2 index greater than or equal to 300), even the relatively modest exposure (CS2 < 300) may increase the serum cholesterol.