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An approach for evaluating the respiratory irritation of mixtures: application to metalworking fluids
M M Schaper1, K A Detwiler-Okabayashi
1University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, PA 15238, USA.
Abstract:
Recently, the sensory and pulmonary irritating properties of ten metalworking fluids (MWF) were assessed using a mouse bioassay. Relative potency of the MWFs was estimated, but it was not possible to identify the component(s) responsible for the the respiratory irritation induced by each MWF. One of the ten fluids, MWF "ET", produced sensory and pulmonary irritation in mice, and it was of moderate potency in comparison to the other nine MWFs. MWF "E" had three major components: tall oil fatty acids (TOFA), sodium sulfonate (SA), and paraffinic oil (PO). In the present study, the sensory and pulmonary irritating properties of these individual components of MWF "E" were evaluated. Mixtures of the three components were also prepared and similarly evaluated. This analysis revealed that the sensory irritation from MWF "E" was largely due to TOFA, whereas SA produced the pulmonary irritation observed with MWF "E". Both TOFA and SA were more potent irritants than was MWF "E", and the potency of TOFA and/or SA was diminished through combination with PO. There was no evidence of synergism of the components when combined to form MWF "E". This approach for identifying the biologically "active" component(s) in a mixture should be useful for other MWFs. Furthermore, the approach should be easily adapted for other applications involving concerns with mixtures.
Insights
This study identified specific components causing irritation in metalworking fluids (MWFs). Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) caused sensory irritation, while sodium sulfonate (SA) caused pulmonary irritation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Occupational Health
- Chemical Safety
Background:
- Metalworking fluids (MWFs) can cause sensory and pulmonary irritation.
- Previous studies identified MWF "ET" as a moderate irritant but could not pinpoint causative agents.
- MWF "E" contains tall oil fatty acids (TOFA), sodium sulfonate (SA), and paraffinic oil (PO).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the specific components of MWF "E" responsible for sensory and pulmonary irritation.
- To evaluate the individual and combined irritating properties of TOFA, SA, and PO.
- To assess the potential for synergistic effects between MWF components.
Main Methods:
- A mouse bioassay was used to evaluate the irritating properties of individual MWF components and their mixtures.
- Relative potency of each component and mixture was estimated.
- Comparison of irritation from individual components versus the complete MWF "E".
Main Results:
- Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) were identified as the primary cause of sensory irritation.
- Sodium sulfonate (SA) was the main component responsible for pulmonary irritation.
- Both TOFA and SA were more potent irritants individually than the complete MWF "E"; paraffinic oil (PO) diminished their potency when mixed.
Conclusions:
- The approach of evaluating individual components can successfully identify irritants in complex mixtures like MWFs.
- TOFA and SA are key irritants in MWF "E", with PO acting as a diluent.
- This methodology is adaptable for identifying active components in other chemical mixtures and applications.
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