Carbon Disulfide (CS2) Exposure and Human Reproductive Health- A Narrative Overview

Abstract

Carbon disulfide is one of the important solvents and is utilized in the manufacture of carbon tetrachloride, cellophane, rayon, rubber and is used extensively as a solvent in various processes etc. The long-term exposure to CS₂ might be related to certain adverse health outcomes. The data were gathered with respect to CS₂ exposure and human reproductive health and outcome through the internet by searching various websites. The data available pointed out that women workers who were exposed to CS₂ in the workplace for a longer duration of time may experience adverse effects on menstruation patterns and might affect the reproductive health of the exposed workers. While its exposure may deteriorate the semen quality based upon the studies available mainly on viscose rayon factory workers exposed to CS₂ occupationally. Some inadequate data are also available on alterations in reproductive hormonal levels in CS₂ exposed workers. However, more data are necessary on the impact of CS₂ exposure on human reproduction and pregnancy outcomes as additional precise data are needed with regards to exposure and affect parameters with reverence to CS₂ exposure. However, positive hostile impact data on CS₂ exposure on certain reproductive endpoints indicate reducing/checking/preventing workers from exposure to CS₂ in the workplace to protect the worker’s reproductive health or pregnancy outcome.