INCREASED POTENTIAL FOR GLUCOSE METABOLISM INTERFERENCE AND RETINAL ANEURYSMS FROM CARBON DISFULDIE EXPOSURE IN OIL AND NATURAL GAS WORKERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Exposure to chemicals in the air from manufacturing emissions may cause health impact to workers and the general public. A chemical historically found in rayon manufacturing emissions, carbon disulfide (CS2) is also present in emissions from oil and natural gas operations. This research identified how exposure to CS2 can affect blood glucose levels and can lead to damage to eyes. With the current trend in urban drilling, the general public may experience these health impacts from breathing CS2 in the air. Workers need to be tested regularly to prevent health complications. Purpose (a): This study examined the relationship of glucose metabolism interference and retinal microaneurysms from exposure to carbon disulfide (CS2) in natural gas workers. This study is the first to identify an increased potential for glucose metabolism interference, resulting in diabetogenic effect and subsequent retinal microaneurysms in natural gas occupational workers exposed to CS2. Methods (b): The review of literature was conducted as an evaluative assessment rather than an annotated bibliography and focused on the potential diabetogenic effects from CS2 exposure. The search criteria were inclusive to all papers on occupational health effects related to CS2 exposure. Relevant articles were identified by a systematic search of Medline, TOXLINE, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Due to the lack of current literature, all study designs were included. Results (c): The literature review found a strong association in viscose rayon occupational workers exposed to CS2 and an increased potential for alteration of normal glucose metabolism and retinal microaneurysms. CS2 wasalso found to be present in emissions from extraction and processing of oil and natural gas. The mechanism of action of CS2 on a biochemical level proved similar in viscose rayon and oil and natural gas workers. Conclusions (d): Natural gas occupational workers exposed to CS2 may experience an increased potential for glucose metabolism interference, which has been an indicator for diabetogenic effect and increased incidence for retinal disease. The recommendation is for regular monitoring of blood glucose levels in CS2-exposed workers preventing diabetogenic effect and ensuing retinopathy.