Study on relationship between carbon disulfide exposure and symptoms and signs of nervous system in workers

The relationship between carbon disulfide (CS2) and the symptoms and signs of nervous system in rayon workers was investigated. In a cross sectional study of CS2-exposed workers from the viscose industry and controls, data on neurological symptoms and clinical neurological examination were evaluated. The exposed subjects includes 326 workers and 105 workers from the same factory, without exposure to CS2 or to any other neurotoxic agents, served as controls. The median exposure to CS2(8 h time weighted) in the low-level exposure group was 4.6 mg/m3, and 18.3 mg/m3 in high-level exposure group. Non-conditional multiple logistic regression analysis was employed for evaluating statistical differences by using SAS software. In the analysis, age, sex, work time, body mass index (BMI), smoking and drinking habits, educational background and marriage status were controlled. The odds ratio (OR) significantly increased of some symptoms in workers exposed to CS2 at levels below 10 mg/m3, as compared to controls. The dose-effect relationship between the exposure to CS2 and the symptoms of nervous system was demonstrated. In terms of neurological parameters, no other abnormal change but that in temperature sensitivity was observed in workers exposed to CS2. In conclusion, the influence of low level CS2 on nervous system of workers should not be ignored.