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Endotoxin in Size-Separated Metal Working Fluid Aerosol Particles
Anna Dahlman-Höglund1, Åsa Lindgren2, Inger Mattsby-Baltzer3
11.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Medicinaregatan 16A, 413 90 Göteborg, Sweden;
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Airborne endotoxin in metalworking fluid aerosols, including small particles, poses respiratory health risks. This study analyzed endotoxin levels in different particle sizes and filter types, finding correlations with fluid concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Aerosol Science
Background:
- Increasing airway symptoms in metalworking industry workers despite air quality improvements.
- Metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols are a suspected cause of respiratory issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify endotoxin in size-separated MWF aerosols.
- Compare filter types for endotoxin collection efficiency.
- Relate airborne endotoxin to MWF concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Pilot field study in metalworking facilities.
- Personal sampler (Sioutas cascade impactor) for aerosol collection.
- Parallel use of glass fiber and PTFE filters for size fractions.
Main Results:
- Airborne endotoxin found across all particle sizes, with a significant portion in smaller fractions (<0.25 µm).
- Glass fiber and PTFE filters showed varying efficiencies for different size fractions.
- Airborne endotoxin levels correlated with endotoxin concentrations in the MWFs.
Conclusions:
- MWF aerosols contain endotoxin-laden particles small enough to reach deep lung regions.
- Exposure to MWF aerosols, particularly endotoxin, is a significant respiratory health risk.
- Further research on endotoxin's role in MWF-related respiratory diseases is warranted.
