Critical review of the epidemiological literature on the potential cardiovascular effects of occupational carbon disulfide exposure

Abstract

Although a physiological effect of CS(2) exposure on CHD is plausible, the epidemiological evidence for an association between CS(2) exposure and various cardiac risk indicators is mixed. The only somewhat consistent finding, of CS(2) exposure on total and/or LDL cholesterol level, may be due to residual confounding by other time-dependent risk factors. If real, however, it appears to be of small magnitude and uncertain clinical importance.

Coronary artery disease and cancer mortality in a cohort of workers exposed to vinyl chloride, carbon disulfide, rotating shift work, and o‐toluidine at a chemical manufacturing plant

“…The effect of carbon disulfide exposure on cardiovascular disease incidence has also been investigated, but the results are inconsistent [Tan et al, 2002]. Concurrent exposure to other chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, as well as failure to control for other cardiovascular disease risk factors is a limitation of these studies [Sulsky et al, 2002]. To our knowledge, ours is the first study to evaluate the effect of concurrent exposure to carbon disulfide and shift work.…”

Carbon disulfide [MAK Value Documentation, 2005]

“…In an overview study the published literature on cardiovascular effects of carbon disulfide following occupational exposure was critically assessed (Sulsky et al 2002). The evaluation covered 37 publications; 12 publications were excluded on account of methodological shortcomings (unsatisfactory presentation of exposure or the results, manifest selection bias without correction, no consideration of important confounders).…”

“…As this effect was shown in only half of the studies (of comparable quality), it would seem that other factors than carbon disulfide exposure alone may play a part. It is unclear whether a slight increase in these parameters, even if they were associated with exposure, contributes to a disease or whether it is a physiological response to the exposure (Sulsky et al 2002).…”