Carbon disulphide (CS₂) — biological monitoring
When to suspect: Viscose rayon / cellophane mfg, rubber vulcanisation accelerators, CCl₄ production, grain fumigation, agrochemical synthesis.
Urinary TTCA (mg/g creatinine)
| Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 0.1 | Non-exposed background |
| 5 | ACGIH BEI — end of shift |
Cabbage / cruciferous vegetables raise urinary TTCA (dietary false-positive) — confirm against diet.
Biological exposure index
ACGIH BEI = 5 mg/g creatinine, end of shift (TLV-TWA 1 ppm). Note: the BEI was NOT scaled down when the TLV dropped from 10→1 ppm — it stays 5.
Basis: ACGIH BEI (Cal/OSHA DOSH compilation; ATSDR ToxProfile).
Sample collection & preparation
- Spot urine, end-of-shift; plain container; co-measure creatinine.
- Note recent cabbage / cruciferous intake.
- Refrigerate / freeze if delayed (TTCA is unstable).
Statutory basis. Factories Act 1948 sets only AIR limits (Second Schedule TWA/STEL, s.41F) and mandates the hazardous-process exam (s.41C, ≤12-monthly); it gives NO blood/urine values. The ranges below are ACGIH BEI / OSHA / clinical benchmarks (India has not adopted biological limits into law).
Reference information for occupational-health professionals — not medical advice, and not a substitute for examination by a qualified physician.
All 27 agents — toxicology & biological monitoring
MedFactory — Occupational Health Centre software for Indian factories