Neuropsychiatric Effects in Workers withOccupational Exposure to Carbon Disulfide: Srmena KRSTEV, et al. Clinical Center of Serbia, Institute of Occupational and Radiological Health, Yugoslavia-In a cross-sectional study, prevalence of dysfunctions of the central nervous system was assessed in 134 male workers exposed to different levels of carbon disulfide (CS 2 ) in a rayon viscose plant and compared to 38 non-exposed workers. In three groups of workers from the same plant with different levels of CS 2 (heavy, intermediate, none) estimated by personal samplers, disorders in the central nervous system were examined by means of psychiatric e x a m i n a t i o n a n d q u e s t i o n n a i r e 1 6 ( Q 1 6 ) . Unconditional logistic regression was calculated adjusted for age, alcohol consumption and education. Psychoorganic syndrome was diagnosed significantly more often in workers with heavy CS 2 exposure, with adjusted OR of 17.9 (95% CI 2.18-146.73), and insignificantly in workers with intermediate exposure. Prevalence of workers with more than 6 positive answers on the Q16 was higher in the heavily exposed workers (OR=4.76; 95% CI 1.80-12.60). A similar result was found for almost all the questions in the Q16, and the most pronounced psychological symptom was of less interest in sex (adjusted OR=8.14; 95% CI 2.19-30.22). High correlation was found between symptoms recorded on neuropsychiatric examination and on Q16. Both neuropsychiatric exams and Q16 indicated disturbances in the central nervous system due to the long-term heavy exposure to CS 2 . Disorders of the central nervous system were found more often in workers with heavy exposure to CS 2 . Questionnaire Q16 is a valuable means for selecting workers for further neuropsychiatric testing. (J Occup Health 2003; 45: 81-87)

In low-income countries, new cases of silicosis and associated lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tuberculosis are likely to be seen for decades because necessary reduction of silica use will take time to be achieved.

No definite conclusion can be made from many epidemiological and clinical studies of lipid metabolism in workers exposed to carbon disulphide (CS2). The aim of our investigation was to study the serum lipid levels in workers exposed to different CS2 levels to establish possible exposure-response relationships. The first group, spinners, were exposed to high CS2 levels; the second group, workers in viscose production, to low CS2 levels; and the third group included non-exposed workers. As a part of a large examination, total and free serum cholesterol, total lipid and triglyceride levels were determined. Mean total lipid levels were similar in high and low CS2 exposed workers, but significantly lower in non-exposed workers. The total serum cholesterol mean levels were also similar in both groups, but significantly higher in the non-exposed group. Only serum triglyceride values were related to the CS2 levels: the most elevated were in the high exposed workers, somewhat lower in the low exposed, and the lowest in the non-exposed group. The finding is especially important as triglycerides are the most specific for developing atherosclerosis, which is often reported in workers with long-term exposure to carbon disulphide.

Occupational health in Yugoslavia was once well organized in accordance with WHO declarations and ILO conventions and recommendations. Since the 1990s, the system has been disrupted by destruction of the former Yugoslavia, wars, refugees, changes in the economy, and NATO bombardment. Economic trends, main industries, and employment and unemployment conditions in Yugoslavia are presented. The organization of occupational health services, their tasks, and prevailing problems are discussed. Occupational diseases and relevant research and educational opportunities are described. The authors conclude by suggesting approaches to improving worker's health in the future.

No abstract