BACKGROUND This study used data from a large UK outbreak investigation, to develop and validate a new case definition for hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metalworking fluid exposure (MWF-HP). METHODS The clinical data from all workers with suspected MWF-HP were reviewed by an experienced panel of clinicians. A new MWF-HP Score was then developed to match the "gold standard" clinical opini...

Metalworking-fluids (MWFs) perform essential functions to metal-products manufacturing industry. MWFs also have inherent environmental and health liabilities associated to industry. These liabilities viewed as opportunity to reevaluate the functionality of MWFs and improve profitability of operations. Several problems appeared in using of MWFs including biodegradation of constituents. The objec...

Water-miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) are capable of causing respiratory symptoms and diseases. Recently, much emphasis has been put on developing new methods for assessing respiratory exposure to MWF emulsions. The air concentrations of ingredients and contaminants of MWF and inhalable dust were measured in 10 metal workshops in southern Finland. Oil mist was determined by infra red spectr...

UNLABELLED The present study is a part of a larger project on assessment of exposure to biological agents and respiratory health effects among metal workers. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of microbial contamination of metalworking coolants as a potential source of harmful biological agents in three different metal industry plants in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS ...

The microbial contamination of water miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a serious problem in metal industry. A good maintenance of MWF re-circulation systems can extend the lifetime of coolants and ensure the quality of the tools produced. In MWFs, as in the other water-based environments, microorganisms usually live in the form of biofilms, the communities of bacteria and fungi attached to...