META-ANALYSIS OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS FROM CARBON DISULFIDE EXPOSURE TO NATURAL GAS INDUSTRIAL WORKERS

The textile industry historically has been associated with high levels of air pollution and adverse health effects for workers exposed to the pollution. With the migration of textile industry overseas, much of the pollution has been sent overseas as well. Carbon disulfide (CS2), a chemical commonly seen in the textile industry, has received little attention due to this migration. With the recent expansion of natural gas extraction in the U.S., CS2 has once again surfaced in air emissions produced from this industrial process. This study revealed that natural gas workers may suffer health effects similar to viscose rayon workers from exposure to CS2. Purpose (a): Health effects from occupational exposure to Carbon disulfide (CS2) have been primarily associated with viscose rayon plant workers. The objective of this study was to examine the potential for health impairment from CS2 exposure in natural gas workers. This study is unique in associating exposure to CS2 to natural gas workers and unrecognized adverse health impairments. Methods (b): A meta-analysis study was conducted and published literature on the health effects of CS2 were reviewed. Databases searched included MEDLINE, TOXLINE, and PubMed. Studies related to exposure to CS2 were limited and historically associated with the viscose rayon industry. Analysis of the published literature of CS2 exposure to workers in petrochemical refineries were identified but limited. Selection criteria were inclusive to all studies available despite study design. The inclusivity of all study designs was influenced by the lack of current literature of CS2 exposure to occupational workers in the U.S. Results (c): Results revealed exposure to CS2 was associated with multiple health effects in various body systems. The potential for significant health effects both on a short-term and long-term basis were identified in natural gas extraction and processing workers exposed to CS2. Conclusions (d): Natural gas occupational workers may be exposed to CS2 from extraction and processing leading to adverse health effects comparable to viscose rayon workers. This study is the first to associate CS2 to occupational workers involved in natural gas extraction or processing operations. This study illuminates the need for application of regular medical diagnostic tools to recognize CS2 levels in workers.