NEUROLOGICAL, MEDICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INDICATING CHRONIC INDUSTRIAL CARBON DISULPHIDE ABSORPTION

Abstract

This report on 120 viscose rayon workers exposed to various degrees of chronic CS2 exposure shows that all parts of the central and peripheral nervous system may be involved. It begins with psychic symptoms, followed by cranial and peripheral neuropathy, decrease of corneal and pupillary reflexes, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs and varying degrees of Parkinsonism. Cardiovascular signs were present in 1/4 of these observed, arterial hypertension in several of younger men and an increase of serum total cholesterol by 34% with decrease of ester values. The hypothesis is proffered that the mechanism of chronic CS2 absorption is different from that of acute intoxication. The 1st is attributed to thiamin deficiency, possibly by way of a liver damage, or by direct poisoning of the coenzymes of nerve metabolism and respiration, whereas the 2d is compared with the narcotic effect of other gaseous anesthetics.