An Epidemiologic Study of the Effects of Carbon Disulfide on the Peripheral Nerves

Abstract

Although the labor inspection had disclosed considerable exposure to carbon disulfide (CS₂) in a Belgian viscose rayon factory, the company medical officer had not diagnosed any case of polyneuropathy in association with CS₂ exposure, although this finding had been extensively reported in the literature. Personal monitoring of CS₂ exposure was performed in 17 jobs. Because the working conditions in the factory had not changed since 1932, a CS₂ cumulaiive exposure index (CS₂ index) could be calculated for each individual. Examination of the exposed subjects (n = 111) included a self-administered questionnaire, a clinical neurologic examinaiion, and electroneuromyography. Seventy-four workers from other plants, not exposed to CS₂ or to any other neurotoxcc agent, served as referents. The average CS2 exposures of the study group ranged from 4 to 112 mg/m³. The data were analyzed with multiple regression method, adjusting the effect of exposure for a number of possible confounders. Significant associations were found between the cumulative CS₂ index and symptoms consistent with polyneuropathy in the legs and with abnormal recruitment pattern and decrease of motor conduciion velocities of the peroneal nerves. Exposures to CS₂ at levels below the present threshold limit value (31 mg/m³) were associated with significant decreases of motor conduciion velocity.