Metalworking Fluids & Machining Oil Mist Causes Skin Disorders

"Occupational exposures to metalworking fluids & machine mist cause potential health risks such as dermatological (skin) disorders."

NIOSH has conducted more than 70 on site Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) of industries with occupational exposures to metalworking fluids or mineral oil aerosols. Exposed workers frequently reported skin disorders (skin irritation, rashes, oil acne) along with eye, nose, and throat irritation, and breathing symptoms or disorders  (breathing problems, cough, chest tightness, asthma).

Dermatological Disorders:  Workers potentially exposed to metalworking fluid mists contract a high rate of skin diseases. In 1991, the list of industries with the highest incidence rates for skin disorders (e.g. fabricated, screw machine products, and general industrial machinery) all involved potential metalworking fluid exposure.

Several different skin diseases are linked to exposure to metalworking fluids and by-product mist. In general, reports link straight metalworking fluids to folliculitis, oil acne, and keratoses; and soluble, semi-synthetic and synthetic MWFs with irritant contact dermatitis and not as much with allergic contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis (either irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis) is the most commonly reported skin conditon linked to  MWFs. The high prevalence of dermatitis rates indicates the susceptibility of many workers to the irritating or sensitizing nature of MWFs and contaminants.

Despite the high reporting rate, many workers choose to continue to work even with open wounds and considerable discomfort from burning and itching. Some of these workers eventually are disabled as a result of their skin disorders.
 

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Many factors play a role in the development of contact dermatitis and other skin diseases in workers exposed to MWFs. These factors include:

• the MWF catagory and additives used;

• the incidence of skin contact with MWFs (e.g., through splashing or repeated or prolonged immersion);

• open skin abrasion or cuts;

• individual sensitivity to irritants or allergens found in MWFs;

• not washing the skin after contact;

• the irritant nature of some soaps/detergents and other cleansing materials used by the workers;

• reuse of MWF-soaked clothing and other materials;

• use of personal protective equipment such as face shields, clean and nonirritating/nonsensitizing gloves and aprons;

• the cleanliness of the general work environment;

• climate (high or low humidity and hot, warm, or cold temperatures);

• machine types and operations, and engineering control methods (e.g., especially tight fitting machine enclosures) in place and in use.

Skin irritation prevention is vital due to  the poor prognosis for workers with MWF dermatitis and because worker protection and engineering controls can achieve primary prevention by limiting skin exposure to MWFs. Other preventive measures include:

• substitution of safe, less irritating or nonallergenic additives or MWF constituents;

• process modification and isolation to limit the dispersal of MWFs;

• work practice and administrative controls to assure the proper MWF maintenance and workplace cleanliness;

• the proper use of personal protective equipment such as protective gloves, aprons, and clothing; and the education of the workers regarding dermal effects due MWF contact, and the importance of workplace personal hygiene.

1. The four major classes of metalworking lubricants and metalworking oils that can cause health problems in the work place.

2. Health and Safety in Metalworking Industries: The 2 most common ways a worker can become exposed to metalworking fluids.

3. Workers are exposed to viruses and bacteria and other hazardous end products as a result of the inhalation of industrial mist.

4. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause asthma.

5. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause skin disorders.

6. Occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and machine mist can cause cancer.

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