This is the second of two articles reviewing the epidemiologic research on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the work environment. It deals with chemical factors, i.e., lead, cadmium, cobalt, arsenic, carbon monoxide, passive smoking, organic solvents, carbon disulfide, nitroglycerin, nitroglycol, and others. The epidemiologic literature relating to each is assessed on the basis of a number of methodological criteria, and the need for future research, the methodology of literature reviews, and preventive implications and perspectives are discussed. It is concluded that the causal relationship between two of the chemicals, carbon disulfide and nitroglycerin/nitroglycol, and CVD is very well documented. For lead and passive smoking a causal relation to CVD is likely. More research is needed concerning cobalt, arsenic, antimony, and other chemical compounds. Exposure to carbon monoxide increases the acute risk of CVD but has probably no lasting atherosclerotic effect. Cadmium and organic solvents are probably not causally related to CVD.

This article refers to the following texts of the Journal: 1984;10(6):409-414  1984;10(6):381-388  1989;15(3):165-179  1987;13(5):412-416  1988;14(6):378-384  1981;7 suppl 1:1-39  1976;2 suppl 1:54-63  1976;2 suppl 1:73-89  1988;14(4):220-223  1982;8 suppl 1:157-160  1985;11(5):331-345  1976;2(1):27-30  1979;5(2):109-114  1975;1(2):63-77

The following article refers to this text: 1990;16(2):147-148

Key terms antimony; arsenic; beryllium; cadmium; carbon disulfide; carbon monoxide; cardiovascular disease; chemical; chemical factor; cobalt; combustion product; dinitrotoluene; epidemiologic literature; hypertension; ischemic heart disease; lead; nitroglycerin; nitroglycol; occupation; organic solvent; organophosphate; passive smoking; review; work environment

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