Abstract
The relation of exposure to carbon-disulfide (75150) (CS2) to total serum cholesterol, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting glucose concentrations was examined. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also measured. Workers exposed to CS2 were recruited from employees who had a minimum of 1 year working in a viscose rayon manufacturing facility. Of the 273 men exposed at the site, 165 participated in the study. Of the 422 workers at the site who were not exposed, 245 participated. Exposure levels were determined for the exposed workers. Blood samples were collected for cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on work history, health and medications. Blood pressure was measured. The authors conclude that relatively moderate exposure to CS2 may increase low density lipoprotein, may raise the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) concentration, and may raise the diastolic blood pressure. The high exposure group had an adjusted mean diastolic blood pressure that was 5mmHg greater than that of the low exposure group. Since the findings revealed a significant linear trend in LDLc concentration and diastolic blood pressure with increasing exposure to CS2, they support the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 1 part per million.
