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Metalworking Fluids |
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Metalworking fluids (MWFs) is the name given to a range of
oils and other liquids that are used to cool and lubricate metalwork when being
machined. MWFs are classified as either "Straight Oil" or "neat" oils (not
meant to be diluted with water, and may contain highly refined petroleum, animal,
marine, vegetable or synthetic oils); Soluble Oil (highly refined petroleum oils, and
emulsifiers); Semi-synthetic fluids; and Synthetic fluids (which may include detergent-like
components). The last three classes are diluted with water before use. All MWF
classes may contain additives such as stabilizers, biocides, dispersants, dyes, and odorants. When MWFs are used, a primary concern is the presence of contaminants that encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Also, there is a potential for oils to be heated high enough where the cutting tool works on metal
workpiece to form polynuclear hydrocarbons (PAH's).
While MWFs are used by
hundreds of thousands of workers safely, problems can develop when good hygiene
practices are not followed or when fluids are not properly managed or
maintained. Major health concerns of improperly managed fluids or when good
hygiene practices are not followed include skin
irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and, occasionally,
breathing difficulties such as bronchitis and asthma. Although rare, some
workers have contacted hypersensitivity pneumonitis
(HP) from improperly managed fluids. HP is an allergic type reaction in the lungs that may be caused by exposure to
certain microbial products. HP is marked by chills, fever, shortness of breath and a
deep cough - similar to a cold that will not go away. Prior to 1985, the use of
poorly refined mineral oils had been associated with an increase risk of cancers
of the larynx, rectum, pancreas, skin, scrotum, and bladder. The
following metalworking fluid references provide more hazard identification and
health effects.
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Criteria
for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids.
US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-102, (1998,
January). Reviews available information about the adverse health effects
associated with occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and
aerosols.
- Standards
Advisory Committee on Metalworking Fluids. OSHA Federal Register
Notice 62:39551, (1997, July 23). Notice of establishment and appointment of
members to the Metalworking Fluids Standards Advisory Committee.
- N-Nitroso
Compounds in Industry. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (HIB), (1990, March 15).
Alerts field personnel of the potential for amine compounds, used in many
industrial processes, to be nitrosated with nitrogen oxides from the air.
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Report on Carcinogens (RoC). US Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS), National Toxicology Program (NTP). Identifies and
discusses agents, substances, mixtures, or exposure circumstances that
may pose a hazard to human health by virtue of their carcinogenicity.
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