SYNTHETIC-FIBERS-INDUSTRY
CARBON-DISULFIDE-EXPOSURE
NEUROTOXIC-EFFECTS

POLYNEUROPATHY INDUCED BY CARBON DISULPHIDE IN VISCOSE RAYON WORKERS

The relationship between occupational exposure to carbon-disulfide (CDS) and the development of polyneuropathy was studied in workers at a viscose rayon factory. Fixed point air CDS levels were between 150 and 300 parts per million (ppm) in fiber cutting areas of the facility and between 15 and 100 ppm in spinning areas. Fifty three percent of the fiber cutting workers were found to have overt polyneuropathy and polyneuropathy was suspected in an additional 19 workers. CDS exposure response relationships were identified in affected workers for muscle weakness and numbness in upper and lower extremities. Significant differences were seen between nerve conduction velocities in the overt and suspected polyneuropathy group compared with referents. The authors conclude that CDS exposure is associated with the development of polyneuropathy in this facility.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52(6):404-407, 1995. (24 references)

You can do a search of the OSH-DB database and get a list of articles on any topic of interest on our Visitor Search Page. Access to read the articles is limited to OSH-DB subscribers.