DNA Damage on Buccal Epithelial Cells, Personal Working in the Rubber Industry Occupationally Exposed to Carbon Disulfide (CS2).

INTRODUCTION: The most significant industrial utilization of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the manufacture of cellulose rayon, cellophane, and rubber industry. CS2 prompts expanded recurrence of chromosomal variations in laborers occupationally exposed to CS2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, the DNA analysis was carried out from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from rubber industry workers exposed to CS2 and an equal number of healthy control subjects. Both the control and experimental subjects were categorized by their smoking habits such as smokers (S) and non-smokers (NS). Furthermore, experimental subjects were further separated based on their exposure period. Students t-test statistical tools were used to analyze the final results. RESULTS: The present analysis identified a high frequency of DNA damage in rubber industry workers (16.55±0.43) than control subjects (9.8±0.21). Also, maximum number of DNA damage detected in smoking experimental group (18.27±0.02) than non-smoking experimental (15.02±0.01) and smoking control groups (10.25±0.04 ). CONCLUSION: Smoking habits synergistically increased the DNA damage in the rubber industry workers exposed to CS2.

Health effect of chronic exposure to carbon disulfide (C2) on women employed in viscose industry.

Many women are exposed to carbon disulfide (C2) hazards at work every day. Working with C2 may cause some women to experience abnormalities in their reproductive health. Until now obtained data is generally concentrated on the health effects of C2 observed in the viscose industry. To date, C2 has not been studied precisely for its potential to have damaging effects on female reproductive system, especially the frequency of menstrual disturbances and the course of menopause. The aim of the study was to sum up female reproductive health hazards amongst women chronically exposed to C2 in their workplace in the viscose industry. In order to study the effect of C2 in the contemporary viscose industry, exposure measurements should be collected in prospective or cross-sectional studies. In conclusion, reproductive health hazards for women chronically exposed to C2 in the workplace in the viscose industry are the following: 1) menstrual disorders essentially are more frequent than in the case of the healthy women, 2) for women chronically exposed to C2 the average menopausal age is statistically earlier, as compared to healthy women, 3) complex disturbances in neurohormonal system for women exposed to C2, resulting from toxic influences of C2, which cause the secretion of estrogens and progesterone in ovaries and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the adrenal gland to diminish. Med Pr 2018;69(3):329-335.

Changes of median nerve conduction velocity in rayon manufacturing workers: A 6-year cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a 6-year cohort study to evaluate the relationship between carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure and reductions in the motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (MCV and SCV) of the median nerve. METHODS: Study subjects at baseline included 432 exposed workers and 402 unexposed workers. Among the exposed workers, 145 workers terminated CS2 exposure during the follow-up period (ex-exposed workers). MCV and SCV were measured at baseline and followed up. CS2 personal exposure concentration was measured two times a year during a 6-year follow-up period and mean (range) CS2 exposure concentrations (ppm) were 5.96 (0.8-16.0) and 3.93 (0.6-9.9) in the exposed and ex-exposed workers, respectively. RESULTS: Reductions in MCV during the follow-up period did not differ among the exposed, ex-exposed, and unexposed workers. Reduction in SCV (m/s) of the exposed workers (-4.47±3.94) was significantly larger than that of the unexposed (-3.38±3.97) and ex-exposed workers (-3.26±3.79). For SCV reduction, a partial multiple regression coefficient of (ex-exposed workers) / (unexposed workers) was significantly positive (+0.915, p < 0.01) after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study showed that 6-year CS2 exposure around a mean level of 6 ppm did not affect MCV reduction but induced significant SCV reduction beyond the influence of aging. The effect of CS2 on SCV around a mean exposure level of 4 ppm may be reversible, since it disappeared in the ex-exposed workers after CS2 exposure cessation for a mean period of 4.1 years.

Carbon disulfide. Just toxic or also bioregulatory and/or therapeutic?

The overview presented here has the goal of examining whether carbon disulfide (CS2) may play a role as an endogenously generated bioregulator and/or has therapeutic value. The neuro- and reproductive system toxicity of CS2 has been documented from its long-term use in the viscose rayon industry. CS2 is also used in the production of dithiocarbamates (DTCs), which are potent fungicides and pesticides, thus raising concern that CS2 may be an environmental toxin. However, DTCs also have recognized medicinal use in the treatment of heavy metal poisonings as well as having potency for reducing inflammation. Three known small molecule bioregulators (SMBs) nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide were initially viewed as environmental toxins. Yet each is now recognized as having intricate, though not fully elucidated, biological functions at concentration regimes far lower than the toxic doses. The literature also implies that the mammalian chemical biology of CS2 has broader implications from inflammatory states to the gut microbiome. On these bases, we suggest that the very nature of CS2 poisoning may be related to interrupting or overwhelming relevant regulatory or signaling process(es), much like other SMBs.

Renal pathology in patients with occupational exposure to carbon disulphide: A case series.

AIM: Carbon disulphide (CS2 ) is widely used as an organic solvent. However, there is little information available regarding the clinical manifestations and the pathological features of kidney injury caused by CS2 . The current study aimed to describe the renal manifestations of a group of patients with long-term occupational exposure to CS2 . METHODS: Ten patients with long-term exposure to CS2 and visiting a single centre were enrolled, with their clinical features recorded. Renal biopsies were taken from all patients, and their pathological findings were documented. RESULTS: All patients came from the same chemical fibre factory. Their mean age at enrollment was 36.9 ± 2.4 years, and each patient had a CS2 exposure duration exceeding 10 years. Eight patients (80%) presented with proteinuria and none had hematuria. Two patients (20%) had underlying hypertension and five (50%) had increased serum creatinine levels. Light microscopic examination of their renal biopsy specimens revealed diffuse mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial hyperplasia in all patients. Moreover, three patients (30%) had nodular hyperplasia, resembling the lesions of diabetic nephropathy. Variable degrees of tubular atrophy and interstitial infiltrations of lymphocytes and monocytes were observed in all patients. Similarly, lectron microscopic examination showed glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial hyperplasia. Immunopathological staining for IgA and IgG, complements or hepatitis B markers (hepatitis B surface antigen and e antigen-antibody) are negative in all patients. CONCLUSION: Long-term occupational exposure to CS2 may be associated with renal injury, although the renal pathological features are often non-specific.

The Effects of Occupational Exposure of Carbon Disulfide on Sexual Hormones and Semen Quality of Male Workers From a Chemical Fiber Factory.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to analyze the relationship between occupational CS2 exposure and reproductive impairments. METHODS: Seventy-six CS2-exposed (9.73 ±â€Š2.76 mg/m(3)) male workers and 94 unexposed workers were selected for study. Worker demographics were assessed with a customized questionnaire. Sexual hormones and sperm-related parameters were measured by biochemical or morphological analysis. RESULTS: The CS2-exposed workers had significantly higher serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and lower levels of testosterone (T). Significant decrements were also identified in sperm viability and motility, chromatin, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MPTP), and respiratory chain Complexes II and IV. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that occupational CS2 exposure can exert deleterious effects on male sexual hormones and sperm quality, and mitochondrial dysfunction may play a vital role in this process.

Effect of Skin Protection and Skin Irritation on the Internal Exposure to Carbon Disulfide in Employees of the Viscose Industry.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) leads to inhalative and dermal uptake and thereby to internal exposure. In order to prevent occupational contact dermatitis, gloves and skin protection creams are used at the workplace. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of personal skin protection and irritation on the internal exposure to CS2 of employees in the viscose industry. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two male CS2-exposed employees were included in the study and were examined regarding working conditions, use of personal protective measures und skin status. Personal air monitoring and biological monitoring was performed and the 'relative internal exposure' (RIE, internal exposure in relation to external exposure) calculated. A multiple regression analysis calculated the influence of skin protection and irritation on CS2 uptake. RESULTS: Usage of skin protection creams and gloves (and both in combination) while working was associated with a significantly higher RIE indicating a higher dermal penetration of CS2. Equally, irritated skin and younger age was associated with a higher internal burden. CONCLUSIONS: Gloves and skin protection creams are useful for preventing occupational skin diseases. However, when handling skin-resorptive substances like CS2, they can increase internal exposure or skin irritation. Therefore, we recommend the careful consideration of benefits and risks of protective creams and gloves at the workplace.

Coronary artery disease and cancer mortality in a cohort of workers exposed to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, rotating shift work, and o-toluidine at a chemical manufacturing plant.

BACKGROUND: We updated through 2007 the mortality experience of 1,874 workers employed at a New York State chemical manufacturing plant between 1946 and 2006. METHODS: Reassessed exposures to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, and shift work and categories of o-toluidine exposure were based on year, department and job title. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) compared mortality to that of the US population. Internal comparisons used directly standardized rate ratios. RESULTS: Hepatobiliary cancer mortality was elevated among workers ever exposed to vinyl chloride (SMR = 3.80, 95% confidence interval 1.89-6.80); directly standardized rates increased with increasing vinyl chloride exposure duration. No increase in non-Hodgkin lymphoma mortality was observed with vinyl chloride and shift work exposures. Internal comparisons showed increased coronary artery disease mortality among long-term workers exposed to carbon disulfide and shift work for 4 years or more. CONCLUSIONS: Excess coronary artery disease mortality confirms earlier results; further investigation is needed to understand risk factors.

[Detection rate analysis on neurological sign of workers exposed to different concentrations of carbon disulfide].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of exposed to different concentrations of carbon disulfide on neurological signs of workers. METHODS: Collection the information of concentration of carbon disulfide in the workplace or workers individuals exposed of a chemical fiber industry from 2004 to 2011, a total of 3 537 workers exposed to carbon disulfide were detected muscle strength and muscle tone, knee reflex, Achilles tendon reflex, trembling limbs, sensory function, and three chatter. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis on abnormal neurological signs of workers. RESULTS: Eight hours time-weighted average concentration range of workers exposed to carbon disulfide in this chemical fiber industry was 0.2-41.0 mg/m(3), geometric mean was 2.38 mg/m(3). Concentration of carbon disulfide exposure of 1 771 workers was from 0.2 to 2.5 mg/m3( ≤ 2.5 mg/m(3)), 642 workers was 2.6-4.8 mg/m(3) (< 5.0 mg/m(3)), other 1 051 workers was from 5.1 to 41.0 mg/m(3) ( > 5.0 mg/m(3)) in all subjects. The different detection rates of knee reflex were 3.0% (31/1 045), 3.7% (21/574), 4.8% (16/331), 3.3% (10/305), 5.9% (11/187), 6.7% (68/1 022), the different detection rates of Achilles tendon reflex were 2.2% (23/1 045), 3.7% (21/574), 2.7% (9/331), 2.3% (7/305), 2.1% (4/187), 5.6% (57/1 022), the different detection rates of sensory dysfunction were 0.4% (4/1 045), 0.5% (3/574), 0.6% (2/331), 0.0% (0/305), 2.1% (4/187), 1.7% (17/1 022) in different cumulative amount of contact groups ( ≤ 10.0, 10.1-20.0, 20.1-30.0, 30.1-40.0, 40.1-50.0, >50.0 mg/m(3) per year), and the differences were statistically significant (χ(2) = 19.53, 21.27 and 15.89, all P values were <0.01) . Stratified according to age and gender, in addition to the ≤ 25 years group the difference of detection rate analysis on Achilles tendon reflex was statistically significant in the different concentration group (the ratio of on Achilles tendon reflex in the different groups of concentration of carbon disulfide exposure of 2.5, 2.6-5.0, ≥ 5.0 mg/m(3) were 0.4% (2/511), 1.0% (1/98), 2.1% (7/327), χ(2) = 5.59, P = 0.045) , the difference of detection rate analysis on neurological sign was not statistically significant in the different concentration group on the rest of the age and gender groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the concentration range of the object of study contact actual, different concentrations of carbon disulfide in addition to individual neurological signs of individual ages influential, it has no significant effect on the various signs of nervous system of workers of most age and gender groups, expect the age below the 25 years old group.

[Effect of carbon disulfide exposure during peri-implantation period on levels of calcitonin and progesterone in uterus of mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure during the peri-implantation period on the levels of calcitonin (CT) and progesterone (P4) in the uterus of pregnant mice and to investigate the mechanism of embryo loss induced by CS2 exposure during the peri-implantation period. METHODS: A total of 168 healthy pregnant Kunming mice were randomly assigned to receive an intraperitoneal injection of CS2 (631.4 mg/kg) or olive oil (control) on gestational day (GD) 3, GD4, GD5, or GD6. The experiment was completed at different end points (GD4, GD5, GD6, GD7, and GD9). The levels of CT and P4 in the uterus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at each end point. RESULTS: The numbers of implanted embryos in GD3, GD4, GD5, and GD6 exposure groups significantly decreased by 42.85%, 63.74%, 60.45%, and 47.26%, respectively,compared with those in control group (P < 0.01). The GD3, GD4, GD5, and GD6 exposure groups had significantly decreased CT levels at each end point (P < 0.05), and the GD3, GD4, and GD5 exposure groups had significantly decreased P4 levels (P < 0.05). In the GD3, GD4, GD5, and GD6 exposure groups, the number of implanted embryos was positively related with the levels of CT and P4 expressed in the uterus (r = 0.670, P < 0.01; r = 0.632, P < 0.01); the expression level of CT was positively related with that of P4 in the uterus of pregnant mice (r = 0.325, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Exposure to CS2 during the peri-implantation period can reduce the expression levels of CT and P4 in the uterus of pregnant mice, which might be one of the molecular mechanisms of embryo loss induced by CS2 exposure.

[Effects of carbon disulfide on cardiovascular system of workers occupationally exposed to carbon disulfide].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of long-term exposure to carbon disulfide (SC(2)) on cardiovascular system of workers. METHODS: The concentrations of CS(2) were detected in the representative workshops with different exposure levels. The indicators related to cardiovascular system were tested in 633 workers occupationally exposed to CS(2), which included blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood routine (blood RT), cholesterol (TCHO), triglyceride (TG) and so on. The data were analyzed by chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The exposure concentration of CS(2) for 389 workers was less than or equal to 5 mg/m(3), which for other 244 workers was higher than 5 mg/m(3). The maximum exposure concentration of CS(2) was 15.73 mg/m(3). There were no significant effects of CS(2) on the electrocardiogram, red blood cells, white blood cells, blood platelet, TCHO and TG of workers. However, the positive effects of CS(2) on blood pressure and negative effects of CS(2) on hemoglobin were found. The rates of high TCHO, TG and hypertension in male workers were significantly higher than those in female workers (P < 0.05). The rates of high TCHO, hypertension and sinus arrhythmia in older workers (≤ 30 years old) were significantly higher than those in young workers (> 30 years old) (P < 0.05). The rate of sinus arrhythmia in workers with 1 - 10 working years was significantly higher than that in workers with more than 10 working years (P < 0.05). The rate of hypertension in workers with 1 - 10 working years was significantly lower than that in workers with more than 10 working years (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There were no significant effects of CS(2) exposure on the indexes of cardiovascular system of workers.

[Studing the health status of workers occupationally exposed to carbon disulfide].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) on the health of workers, and to provide the basis for the further preventive measures. METHODS: The occupational health examination of 881 workers exposed to CS(2) in a chemical fiber factory was carried out according to the national technical standard of occupational health surveillance. The time weighted average concentrations (TWA) of CS(2) in the workshops of short silk and long silk exceeded the national standard, The workers in these two workshops served as the high exposure group. The workers of the other workshops were classified as low exposure group, in which TWA met the national standard. All exposed workers were also divided into long-term exposure group and short-term exposure group on the basis of average exposure years (16 years). The statistical analysis was used by t test, χ(2), and fisher exact test. RESULTS: The symptom rates of numbness, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and headache were 12.5%, 8.5%, 8.2%, 7.5%, and 7.2% respectively. The abnormal rates of superficial sensation, three fibrillation, achilles tendon reflex, patellar reflex, EMG, hypertension, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B were 33.0%, 26.1%, 20.8%, 18.6%, 10.8%, 33.4%, 24.5%, 17.0% and 9.3% respectively. Among the high exposure group, the abnormal detectable rates of dizziness, headache, fatigue, insomnia, numbness, achilles tendon reflex, superficial and deep sensation, EMG, hypertension, ECG, total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein in long-term exposure group were significantly higher than those in short-term exposure group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). However, among the low exposure group, the abnormal rates of the insomnia achilles tendon reflex and superficial sensation in long term exposure group were significantly higher than those of short term exposure group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The detected rates of hypertension, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine and uric acid were in males significantly greater than those in females (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to high concentrations of CS(2) could lead to the damage of nervous system, elevate blood pressure and promote the development and progression of hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, CS(2) had greater effects on blood pressure and lipid in males than in females.

[Effect of CS(2) occupational exposure on personality and intelligence].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of CS(2) occupational exposure on thumbprint and intelligence. METHODS: According to the monitoring results of CS(2) concentration, which were got at various workplace in chymic fiber factory, the workers were divided into three groups including the low-concentration group (TWA < 5 mg/m(3)), the high-concentration group (TWA >or= 5 mg/m(3)) and the control group. The method of cluster sampling was used respectively. 139, 129 and 327 people were taken at random from three groups and they were given thumbprint and intelligence examinations through following three methods, including MMPI, SCL-90 and SPM. RESULTS: MMPI test showed that Hy, Pa, Pt, Sc positive rates in the low-concentration group were 7.19%, 2.16%, 26.62% and 10.07%, Hs, D, Hy, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, Si positive rates in the high-concentration group were 32.56%, 8.53%, 9.30%, 24.81%, 2.33%, 42.64%, 15.50%, 5.43% and 6.20%. There was a significant difference with the control group (Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt, Sc, Ma, Si was 14.07%, 2.14%, 2.14%, 14.07%, 0.00%, 17.74%, 3.67%, 1.22%, 1.22% respectively). The differences of Hs, Pt positive rates between high-concentration and low-concentration group were significantly. SCL-90 showed that the total positive rate in the low concentration and the high concentration groups was 15.8% and 20.2%. The positive rate of the basic factors were significantly different among the low-concentration group, the high concentration group and the control group while there was no significant difference in the positive rate between the high concentration and low concentration group. SPM test found that the positive rates of the intelligence in the low concentration group and the high concentration group were 35.1% and 35.7% respectively and the control group (15.1%) was significantly different from low-concentration and high concentration group. Moreover, there was no obvious difference between high-concentration and the low-concentration group. The intelligence damage was associated with the length of CS(2) occupational exposure and the correlation coefficient had statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The low-concentration CS(2) occupational exposure could affect personality and intelligence, and the degree of this influence is associated with the length of CS(2) occupational exposure.

The effects of carbon disulfide on male sexual function and semen quality.

A cross-sectional study was initiated to clarify whether the current level of exposure to carbon disulphide (CS(2)) is low enough to prevent occurrence of subclinical health impairments. This paper describes the effects of exposure to CS(2) on male sexual function and semen quality in a baseline observation. The effects of CS(2) on male sexual function were evaluated, including number of sexual encounters and length of sexual encounters related to solvents in 80 male workers exposed to CS(2) and 49 reference workers from the filature and cotton pulp departments of a fabric factory in China. And the semen samples were obtained from 43 of the exposed and 35 of the control. Adjustment was made for potential confounding factors such as age or alcohol drinking. Exposure to CS(2) was dichotomized by job type. The rate of sexual dysfunction was higher, number of sexual encounters was lower, and length of sexual encounters was shorter compared with the control (p < 0.001). It was indicated that exposed workers had fewer semen quantity, longer liquefaction time, lower acrosomal membrane integrity rate, vitality and density, and more deformity of semen than the control (p < 0.01). The age and type of work played the most important roles in sexual dysfunction by the multinomial logistic regression analysis (p < 0.01).The duration of exposure had the effect on sexual function and semen quality but no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Clinical effects on the male sexual function and semen quality were found in the workers exposed to CS(2).

DNA damage in viscose factory workers occupationally exposed to carbon di-sulfide using buccal cell comet assay

Aim: The most important industrial use of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the fabrication of regeneratedcellulose rayon by the viscose process and cellophane. CS2 leads to increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in workers with occupational exposure to CS2. Methods: In the present study, the DNA damage was analyzed by using buccal cell comet assay for 30 viscose plant workers who are occupationally exposed to CS2 and 30 healthy individuals. Both groups were classified as smokers and non-smokers and only the experimental subjects were classified based on the exposure period. The data were analyzed statistically bythe Student’s t-test. Results: The results of this study showed increased levels of DNA damage among viscose plant workers. Conclusion: The habit of cigarette smoking among the viscose workers had a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage.

Pesticide exposure and risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in the Agricultural Health Study.

Pesticides are associated with excess risk of multiple myeloma, albeit inconclusively. We included 678 men (30-94 years) from a well-characterized prospective cohort of restricted-use pesticide applicators to assess the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Serum samples from all subjects were analyzed by electrophoresis performed on agarose gel; samples with a discrete or localized band were subjected to immunofixation. Age-adjusted prevalence estimates of MGUS were compared with MGUS prevalence in 9469 men from Minnesota. Associations between pesticide exposures and MGUS prevalence were assessed by logistic regression models adjusted for age and education level. Among study participants older than 50 years (n = 555), 38 were found to have MGUS, yielding a prevalence of 6.8% (95% CI, 5.0%-9.3%). Compared with men from Minnesota, the age-adjusted prevalence of MGUS was 1.9-fold (95% CI, 1.3- to 2.7-fold) higher among male pesticide applicators. Among applicators, a 5.6-fold (95% CI, 1.9- to 16.6-fold), 3.9-fold (95% CI, 1.5- to 10.0-fold), and 2.4-fold (95% CI, 1.1- to 5.3-fold) increased risk of MGUS prevalence was observed among users of the chlorinated insecticide dieldrin, the fumigant mixture carbon-tetrachloride/carbon disulfide, and the fungicide chlorothalonil, respectively. In summary, the prevalence of MGUS among pesticide applicators was twice that in a population-based sample of men from Minnesota, adding support to the hypothesis that specific pesticides are causatively linked to myelomagenesis.

[Effects of carbon disulfide on blood pressure and electrocardiogram for workers exposed to levels below the national maximum allowable concentration].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of carbon disulfide exposure within the national maximum allowable concentration(MAC) on blood pressure and electrocardiogram, and associations with selected factors. METHODS: Workers in a chemical fiber factory were divided into two groups based on the type of work: a high exposure group (HEG) of 821 individuals and a low exposure group (LEG) of 259. The CS2 concentration at workplace was controlled under the national MAC. A set of 250 randomly selected people taking routine physical check-ups in the same period and hospital constituted the control group. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured on the arm, and the pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were calculated based on SBP and DBP. The blood pressure data, along with the results of the routine 12-lead electrocardiography taken at rest and records on gender, age, years of work, type of work, and concentrations of triglycerol, cholesterol, and glucose in blood, were compiled for analyses. Risk factors upon CS2 exposure for the increase of blood pressure and occurrence of electrocardiogram abnormalities were identified and rationalized. RESULTS: Significant difference (P < 0.01) in the average values of SBP, DBP, MABP, and the corresponding abnormality incident rates was found between HEG and LEG, and between HEG and the control group. For both HEG and LEG, the incident rate of DBP abnormality (high DBP) is nearly two times as high as that of SBP. Type of work is the largest risk factor in both the high SBP and high DBP subgroups, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.086 and 2.331 respectively, and high CS2 exposure presents more than double the risk than low exposure. On the incident rate of ECG abnormalities, both exposure groups are significantly different (P < 0.01) to the control group. High SBP in LEG and high DBP in HEG were found to be significant risk factors (OR = 3.531 and 1.638 respectively), while blood glucose appears to be a protective factor (OR = 0.747), appealing to further investigation. Meanwhile, factors like years of work and cholesterol were found to be risk factors in the high SBP subgroup with low exposure, and in the high DBP subgroup with high exposure. Within HEG, high DBP is the only blood pressure-related risk factor found for the incident of left ventricular high voltage (OR = 4.140), as is high SBP for LEG (OR = 4.776). High PP is the only risk factor found for repolarization disturbances within LEG (OR = 20.417). While blood sugar is a risk factor for origin disturbances, it is a protection factor for left ventricular high voltage (OR = 0.633). CONCLUSION: The damage of CS2 done to the cardiovascular system is a gradual process. Both early and very low level exposures are detrimental to the human circulatory system. Below the National MAC limit, the toxic effect of CS2 to the cardiovascular system increases with time and level of exposure. The effect of CS2 on DBP is more significant than on SBP, which indicates that CS2 may affect peripheral resistant blood vessels more than the artery. The abnormalities of ECG of workers exposed to CS2 are not only the result of high blood pressure on the heart, but also of the direct toxicity of CS2 on heart and blood vessels.

[Validity of urinary 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) as biomarker of exposure to very low concentrations of carbon disulphide: preliminary results]. / Validiti dell'acido 2-tiotiazolidin-4-carbossilico (TTCA) urinario quale indicatore biologico dell'esposizione a concentrazioni molto basse di solfuro di carbonio: risultati preliminori.

The possibility to use urinary 2-thiothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TTCA) as biomarker of occupational exposure to very low doses of carbon disulphide (CS2) was evaluated preliminarily in 10 workers employed in a chemical plant where rubber vulcanization accelerators are produced, and in 10 workers, residents in the same geographical area and not occupationally exposed to CS2 and dithiocarbamates (DTC). Exposure to airborne CS2 was assessed, only for exposed workers, by both personal and area samplers. For the determination of TTCA, a spot urine sample was collected for each worker, exposed and non exposed, at the end of work-shift. A questionnaire probing lifestyle and dietary habits and non occupational exposure to CS2 and DTC was administered to all workers involved in the study. Environmental exposure to CS2 in 2007 ranged between 0.21 mg/m3 and 0.73 mg/m3 for personal sampling, and between 0.23 mg/m3 and 0.41 mg/m3 for area sampling. Urinary TTCA levels resulted very low and did not show any significant difference between exposed (Median: 10.8 microg/g creat; Range: 6.1-26.4 microg/g creat) and non exposed workers (Median: 9.3 microg/g creat; Range: 3.0-33.0 microg/g creat), while higher, but not significant concentrations of TTCA were observed in smokers than in non smokers (p = 0.09). No correlation was found between urinary TTCA levels and environmental exposure to CS2, age, body mass index, smoking and dietary habits. In conclusion, the low sensibility and specificity in the assessment of occupational exposure to low doses of CS2 in workers compared to general population subjects, makes urinary TTCA a biomarker with a low usefulness in biological monitoring. ACGIH, besides, should also introduce "B" (background) notation, at present not considered for the BEI indicated for urinary TTCA.