title: Carbon disulphide. IV. Cardiovascular function in workers in the viscose industry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to examine whether an increase can be detected in the prevalence of coronary heart disease or a higher prevalence of unusual cardiological findings in workers with occupational exposure to carbon disulphide (CS2) at the level of the threshold limit value of 10 ppm currently valid in occupational medicine.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study we investigated 247 men occupationally exposed to CS2 and a comparable control group (n = 222). The current exposure to CS2 was measured using personal air monitoring and biological monitoring of all test persons. A cumulative exposure index (median of CS2 exposure in the past multiplied by the duration of employment) was calculated. In addition to collecting comprehensive anamnestic data on all persons, we carried out a physical examination, an ultrasound examination of the large arteries, a resting and exercise ECG and an echocardiographic examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No increase could be found in the prevalence of coronary heart disease or of arteriosclerotic findings in the exposed subjects. There was no difference in the distribution of the performance of the two groups in the ergometric tests. The echocardiogram showed a median increase in the diameter of the left atrium and left ventricle of 1-2 mm in the exposed subjects. These differences could also be confirmed statistically after multiple linear regression analysis. The left ventricular, telesystolic diameter was positively associated (P < 0.05) with internal exposure (CS2 metabolite in urine), and fractional shortening revealed a plausible negative trend (P = 0.0755). Current external exposure (CS2 in air) and cumulative exposure did not influence any of the parameters investigated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings may indicate a negatively inotropic effect of CS2 so far unknown in man. However, no clinical relevance for this effect was apparent.
authors.affiliation: Institute and Out-patient Clinic for Occupational, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Drexler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ulm
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hardt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hubmann
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Göen
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Angerer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lehnert
mesh_terms: D002246:Carbon Disulfide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004452:Echocardiography; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D002246:Carbon Disulfide