Related Experiment Videos
Microorganism-induced skin disease in workers exposed to metalworking fluids
A I Awosika-Olumo1, Kevin L Trangle, L Fleming Fallon
1Public Health Program, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA.
Background:
An outbreak of skin disorders among workers potentially exposed to metalworking fluids prompted the present study. Few studies have described skin disorders associated with microbe-contaminated metalworking fluids.
Methods:
Samples of materials contaminated with metalworking fluids were obtained from two manufacturing facilities in Ohio. Pathogenic bacteria and yeasts, in concentrations sufficient to cause skin disease, were cultured from 9 of 12 (75%) sampled materials.
Results:
Allergic patch testing of five affected people produced negative results for standard allergens, augmented by fluids and items from their workplace. This ruled out allergies as the cause of the skin disease. Improper handling and disposal of cotton gloves, inappropriate use of scouring pads and ineffective hand wiping were apparently responsible for the microbiological contamination. The hands and forearms were most commonly affected.
Conclusion:
Improper handling of soluble, synthetic and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids provides an excellent environment for the growth of a range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. If allowed to grow because of poor occupational hygiene, these microorganisms can cause skin disorders among workers. Soiled protective clothing (gloves, coveralls and work boots) should be cleaned or discarded on a regular basis. When washing up, workers should not use metalworking fluids and items used to clean machinery.
Insights
Microbe-contaminated metalworking fluids caused skin disorders in workers. Poor hygiene practices, like improper glove disposal, led to contamination and skin issues, highlighting the need for better occupational health measures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- An outbreak of skin disorders among workers exposed to metalworking fluids was investigated.
- Limited research exists on skin conditions linked to microbe-contaminated metalworking fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cause of skin disorders in workers exposed to metalworking fluids.
- To investigate the role of microbial contamination in metalworking fluids.
Main Methods:
- Samples from manufacturing facilities were analyzed for microbial contamination.
- Pathogenic bacteria and yeasts were cultured from contaminated materials.
- Allergic patch testing was performed on affected workers.
Main Results:
- 75% of sampled materials showed pathogenic bacteria and yeasts at disease-causing concentrations.
- Allergic reactions were ruled out as the cause of the skin disease.
- Improper handling of gloves and cleaning materials contributed to contamination, affecting hands and forearms.
Conclusions:
- Metalworking fluids, when handled improperly, promote microbial growth.
- Poor occupational hygiene allows microorganisms to cause skin disorders.
- Regular cleaning/disposal of protective clothing and avoiding use of metalworking fluids for cleaning are crucial.