Occupational exposure to low concentrations of carbon disulfide as a risk factor for hypercholesterolaemia

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of occ upational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) concentrations below threshold limit value (TLV)-time-weighted average (TWA) (31 mg/m(3)) on total choles terol, blood pressure and the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD). M ethods: A cross-sectional study involving 141 viscose rayon workers (64 men ), and 141 age- and gender-matched controls without occupational contact wi th noxious chemicals, was carried out. The probability for CHD was determin ed by means of the WHO questionnaire and was 12-lead electrocardiography-co ded using Minnesota criteria. Blood pressure was measured by the standardiz ed method of the WHO and blood was examined for total cholesterol. A cumula tive exposure index (CS2 index) was calculated for each worker by multiplyi ng the number of years held in a particular job, by the CS2 concentrations in that job-environment. According to the CS2 index, the exposed workers we re distributed into two groups: group 1 (CS2 index <100) and group 2 (CS2 i ndex <greater than or equal to>100). Results: Depending on the job and spec ific work place the CS2 concentrations were between 1 and 30 mg/m(3). Chole sterol levels were significantly higher in the exposed group (4.9 +/- 0.7) compared with the controls (4.6 +/- 0.7). Adjustment for age, smoking, body -mass index (BMI) and gender showed the significant effect of the CS2 index on the total cholesterol (P < 0.001). The prevalence of hypercholesterolae mia was significantly higher in the exposed group (42.6%), compared with th e controls (26.2%); odds ratio (OR) (adjusted for potential confounders) wa s 2.56, 95% CI 1.47-4.46. Logistic regression showed a significantly increa sed risk for elevated cholesterol in group 2 (OR 5.52; 95% CI 2.81-10.83). No significant effect of CS2 index on blood pressure and CHD prevalence was found. Conclusions: The results of our study show that occupational exposu re to CS2 concentrations below 31 mg/m(3) and a CS2 index >100 may increase total cholesterol. Our results imply that even the CS2 concentrations belo w TLV-TWA may produce morbid changes, and suggest the mechanism of the effe ct of CS2, leading to lipid metabolism disturbances and acceleration of ath erosclerosis.