Determinants of metals exposure to metalworking fluid among metalworkers in Taiwan

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) aerosols are known to have carcinogenic potential to humans that monitoring of MWFs is necessary to reduce risks. This study summarizes biological monitoring and occupational hygiene findings from a survey of metalworkers exposed to heavy metals in a socket manufacturing plant. Manganese, nickel, iron, copper, chromium, and zinc were selected for target metals. Air samples were collected and postshift urines were obtained from the thread cutting workers and punch press machine operators. There were positive correlations between the airborne concentrations of Cr, Mn, as well as Zn and the corresponding levels of urine for the exposed groups. Therefore, the integration of biological and environmental monitoring is feasible for Cr, Mn, and Zn. The results indicated significant correlations between the levels of Cu, Cr, Fe, as well as Zn from the air and sump MWFs at thread cutting and punch press sites.