Electrocardiographic features of Korean carbon disulfide poisoned subjects after discontinuation of exposure

Objective Mass poisoning by carbon disulfide (CS₂) was reported at a viscose rayon factory in Korea in the late 1980s; the factory was subsequently closed in 1993. In this study, we evaluated the late electrocardiographic features in the CS₂ poisoned subjects. Methods The cases were composed of 198 retired workers with a history of CS₂ poisoning. An age- and sex-matched reference group was randomly selected from people visiting a hospital for regular health checkups. Intervals, amplitudes and abnormal findings from the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of the two groups were compared. Results Except for the PQ interval, there were no significant ECG differences between the two groups. The cases exhibited ECG abnormalities more frequently than the reference group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that CS₂ poisoning was positively associated with the presence of abnormal ECG findings (OR = 1.603; 95% CI, 1.008–2.549). Conclusion This study suggests that CS₂ poisoned subjects may have an increased risk of ECG abnormalities even after the exposure to CS₂ is no longer present.