EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO CARBON-DISULFIDE (CS2) ON ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHICFEATURES OF ISCHEMIC-HEART-DISEASE AMONG VISCOSE RAYON FACTORY-WORKERS

The objective of the study was to evaluate viscose plant workers for e lectrocardiographic manifestations resulting from exposure to carbon d isulfide (CS2). A total of 162 workers (118 in an exposure group and 4 4 in a reference group) were evaluated using a health questionnaire, p hysical check-up, biochemical analysis of blood samples and electrocar diograms (EGG). The exposure group consisted of workers in the followi ng areas: viscose manufacturing, cellophane processing, ripening, and filament spinning. Reference group workers were from the administrativ e office, rolling area, pulp processing, and testing office. Only slig ht differences were found in the biochemical analyses of the two group s, with the exception of sodium (Na) levels. Personal and area samplin g results were found to have a high variation due to different locatio ns within the plant and a wide range of manufacturing processes. Highe st CS2 concentrations were found in the ripening area (54.60 ppm) and the filament spinning area (19.60 ppm). Using a multiple logistic regr ession model to control variables (age, gender, body mass index, durat ion of employment, cholesterol, smoking, and alcohol), we found a rela tive risk for ECG abnormalities 4.18 times significantly higher for th e exposure group. The authors feel that the installation of an adequat e ventilation system could greatly reduce the risk of workers developi ng CS2-induced cardiovascular abnormalities.