Epidemiologic Evidence on the Carcinogenicity of Metalworking Fluids

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to organize and evaluate the epidemiologic evidence regarding the potential carcinogenicity of metalworking fluids. Published literature was initially examined to identify the key contributions, with a strong emphasis on the series of studies by Eisen et al. A key challenge to addressing the issue is the diversity of metalworking fluids, additives, and by-products produced in use, along with the notable changes in the composition and use of such agents over time. Although several smaller cohort studies provided useful data on this issue through the 1980s, the Eisen et al. studies offer unique information given the size of the cohort, sophistication in exposure assessment, and detailed analysis of cancer mortality risks within the cohort as a function of estimated exposure. The most notable associations, based on precision, magnitude, and evidence for increasing risk with increasing exposure are those between straight metalworking fluids and both rectal and laryngeal cancer, as well as soluble metalworking fluids and laryngeal cancer. Further progress will require additional studies of the scale of Eisen et al.'s as well as a more systematic approach to integrating information from toxicology and industrial hygiene into the interpretation of the epidemiologic literature.

Childhood leukemia and residential proximity to industrial and urban sites

“…Insofar as the galvanizing sector is concerned, it is one of the main industrial activities that releases dioxins to air , recognized by the IARC as carcinogens in humans (IARC, 2012) and related to increased risk of leukemias in general population (Consonni et al, 2008), a finding that could be related to the excess risk observed by us in the environs of this industrial group. Another noteworthy result is the excess risk found in the environs of installations for the surface treatment of metals and plastic, a group of metal industries that use mineral oils and metalworking fluids, a range of oils and other chemicals substances known to be carcinogens in humans (Savitz, 2003). In this connection, an Italian study detected increased risk of childhood leukemia related to paternal exposure to mineral oils (Miligi et al, 2013).…”

A case-control study of occupational exposure to metalworking fluids and bladder cancer risk among men

“…While this study was an important advancement in research on MWFs, it was not possible to control for smoking. In addition, the exposure settings were limited to three large auto manufacturing plants in Michigan,34 leaving unanswered questions about MWF exposure in other settings, including small machine shops that are prevalent throughout the world.…”

Case–control study of male germ cell tumors nested in a cohort of car‐manufacturing workers: Findings from the occupational history

“…Several publications confirmed a possible carcinogenic potential of metalworking fluids (MWF) [Mirer et al, 1988;Park, 2001;Savitz, 2003;Agalliu et al, 2005;Bardin et al, 2005;Malloy et al, 2007], but an explicit association with testicular cancer has never been described before. MWF are a complex mixture of chemicals and toxic microbial agents [Gordon, 2004].…”