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Manufacturing exposure to coolant-lubricants. A preliminary report
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|August 1, 1978
Summary
A 70-month study of automated machining workers found no adverse health effects from coolant-lubricant-additives. Respiratory issues were linked to smoking or prior conditions, not the machining process.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Toxicology
Background:
- Automated machining processes utilize various coolant-lubricant-additives.
- Long-term occupational exposure to these substances necessitates health surveillance.
- Understanding potential health impacts is crucial for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the health effects of long-term exposure to coolant-lubricant-additives in an automated machining environment.
- To monitor pulmonary, hepatic, and cytological health of exposed employees.
- To establish a baseline for an ongoing occupational health surveillance program.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study following 118 employees for up to 70 months.
- Utilized chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, lung cytology, and liver function tests for health monitoring.
- Collected data on exposure duration and respiratory symptomatology.
Main Results:
- No significant abnormalities were detected in chest x-rays, pulmonary function, lung cytology, or liver function tests among exposed employees.
- The 12 employees with 70-month exposure showed no adverse health findings.
- Respiratory symptoms reported were attributable to smoking or pre-existing conditions.
Conclusions:
- The automated machining process and associated coolant-lubricant-additives, over a 70-month period, did not result in detectable adverse health effects.
- Occupational exposure in this specific industrial setting appears safe based on current surveillance data.
- Further ongoing surveillance is recommended to confirm long-term safety.