Neuropsychiatric effects in workers with occupational exposure to carbon disulfide

In a cross-sectional study, prevalence of dysfunctions of the central nervous system was assessed in 134 male workers exposed to different levels of carbon disulfide (CS2) in a rayon viscose plant and compared to 38 non-exposed workers. In three groups of workers from the same plant with different levels of CS2 (heavy, intermediate, none) estimated by personal samplers, disorders in the central nervous system were examined by means of psychiatric examination and questionnaire 16 (Q16). Unconditional logistic regression was calculated adjusted for age, alcohol consumption and education. Psychoorganic syndrome was diagnosed significantly more often in workers with heavy CS2 exposure, with adjusted OR of 17.9 (95% CI 2.18-146.73), and insignificantly in workers with intermediate exposure. Prevalence of workers with more than 6 positive answers on the Q16 was higher in the heavily exposed workers (OR=4.76; 95% CI 1.80-12.60). A similar result was found for almost all the questions in the Q16, and the most pronounced psychological symptom was of less interest in sex (adjusted OR=8.14; 95% CI 2.19-30.22). High correlation was found between symptoms recorded on neuropsychiatric examination and on Q16. Both neuropsychiatric exams and Q16 indicated disturbances in the central nervous system due to the long-term heavy exposure to CS2. Disorders of the central nervous system were found more often in workers with heavy exposure to CS2. Questionnaire Q16 is a valuable means for selecting workers for further neuropsychiatric testing.