[Biological effect of mineral oils]

Literature on biological action of mineral oils used as coolants has been surveyed. The data indicate different biological action depending on the origin of fundamental materials and additives used to improve the functional quality. In industry mineral oils may adversely affect primarily the respiratory system and skin. Both investigations of mineral oil aerosols effects in animals and epidemiological examinations of workers exposed to oil mist urgently call for the reduction of oil concentrations in work environment. The irritating properties of oils and oil emulsions vary with quantitative--qualitative chemical composition of those substances. Carcenogenic effects of oils are due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.