Metalworking fluids provide an excellent environment for the growth and proliferation of a variety of bacteria and fungi. Historically, the incidence of infectious disease outbreaks at metalworking facilities has been rare. Consequently the primary focus of microbial contamination control efforts has been to prevent fluid biodeterioration. Research conducted over the past decade increasingly su...

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are a common cause of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. MWFs being currently used are mostly water based, containing biocides, emulsifiers, and other additives. We performed a retrospective analysis of the etiology of the occupational dermatoses caused by metalworking fluids in three regions of Central Slovakia (population of approximately 2 million) between 2...

A previously healthy man working as a machine operator in an automotive factory developed respiratory symptoms. Medical evaluation showed abnormal pulmonary function tests, a lung biopsy showed hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and his illness was traced to his work environment. His physician asked the employer to remove him from exposure to metalworking fluids. Symptoms reoccurred when he was late...

Six auto parts manufacturing workers were referred for evaluation of a 6-week history of work-related dyspnea, cough, and fatigue. Two workers also reported fever and weight loss. All six worked in a machining area where a waterbased metalworking fluid was used and recirculated under high pressure, thereby creating an aerosol. Chest radiographs revealed pulmonary interstitial infiltrates in fou...

The metalworking and machining industry utilizes recirculating metalworking fluids for integral aspects of the fabrication process. Despite the use of biocides, these fluids sustain substantial biological growth. Subsequently, the high-shear forces incurred during metalworking processing aerosolize bacterial cells and may cause dermatologic and respiratory effects in exposed workers. We quantif...

This article is based upon my own experiences with metalworking fluids and the adverse health effects and medical conditions associated with exposure to metalworking fluids. I have researched and witnessed the benefits that can be achieved when metalworking fluids are properly maintained and managed. My experiences have provided insight into how a shop operates, including comprehension of the e...

The increasing attention to the environmental and health impacts of industrial activities by governmental regulations and by the growing awareness level in the society is forcing industrialists to reduce the use of mineral oil-based metalworking fluids as cutting fluid. Cutting fluids have been used extensively in metal cutting operations for the last 200 years. In the beginning, cutting fluids...

METALWORKING consists of deformation processes in which a metal billet or blank is shaped by tools or dies. The design and control of such processes depend on the characteristics of the workpiece material, the conditions at the tool/workpiece interface, the mechanics of plastic deformation (metal flow), the equipment used, and the finished-product requirements. These factors influence the selec...

Utilization of metalworking fluids in the technological process of metalworking brings its advantages and disadvantages, mainly associated with the contamination of the working air through cutting fluid mist. The primary aim of this article is to approximate the mechanism of aerosols generation which contaminates the working air and to draw the attention to the problem of quantification of gene...

The objective of this study was to measure formaldehyde present in the atmosphere of a machine shop using a water-based emulsion metalworking fluid containing the formaldehyde-generating antimicrobial agent methylenebismorpholine. Measured formaldehyde values were compared to estimated atmospheric values calculated from vapor-liquid equilibrium (evaporative) and aerosol (mist) generation. Good ...