Exposure Assessment to Suggest the Cause of Sinusitis Developed in Grinding Operations Utilizing Soluble Metalworking Fluids

Abstract

Exposure Assessment to Suggest the Cause of Sinusitis Developed in GrindingOperations Utilizing Soluble Metalworking Fluids: Donguk PARK et al. Korea National Open University, Korea-A worker who ground the inner parts of camshafts for automobile engines using water-soluble metalworking fluid (MWF) for 14 yr was diagnosed with sinusitis. We postulated that the cause of sinusitis might be associated with exposure to microbes contaminating the water-soluble MWF used in the grinding operation. To uncover responsible agents for this case of sinusitis, a quantitative exposure assessment for chemical and biological agents was made and prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms was investigated by questionnaire. The exposure ranges of MWF mist (0.59 mg/m 3 to 2.12 mg/ m 3 ) measured during grinding exceeded 0.5 mg/m 3 of the recommended exposure limit (REL). Grinders' exposures to bacteria, fungi and endotoxins were also generally higher than not only the proposed standards, but also those reported by several studies investigating the causes of respiratory effects. Statistical tests indicated that the prevalence rate of reported symptoms related to nasal cavities showed no significant differences among the operations. Evaluation of grinding operation characteristics and the quantitative exposure assessment indicated that repeated exposure to MWF mist, including water-soluble MWF contaminated with microbes may cause respiratory diseases like sinusitis or at least increase susceptibility to the development of sinusitis. Further study is underway to identify environmental risk factors for sinusitis by analyzing the relationship between medical examination results and plant characteristics including exposure data. (J Occup Health 2005; 47: 319-326)

Association between Use of Synthetic Metalworking Fluid and Risk of Developing Rhinitis‐related Symptoms in an Automotive Ring Manufacturing Plant

“…Occasionally, nasal symptoms or problems have been noted among workers in plants manufacturing automobile parts using water soluble MWFs. Recently, Park et al 3,4) investigated the association between nasal respiratory symptoms and exposure to water soluble MWFs in a plant manufacturing automobile engines and found no significant difference in symptoms between workers who did and did not handle MWFs.…”

“…Some of these symptoms were previously used to examine the prevalence of rhinitis in plants that use MWFs in the manufacturing of automobile parts. Park et al 3) reported the prevalence of epistaxis and anosmia, including six of the symptoms described above, among workers manufacturing shafts for automobiles.…”

“…Our questionnaire included eight questions relating to rhinitis or nasal problems (nasal stuffiness, anosmia, nasal itchiness, epistaxis, runny nose, post-nasal drip, rhinorrhea, occasional headache), which were used in other studies 3,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16] . Subjects were asked if they experienced "a problem with these symptoms at work on a weekly basis".…”

“…The percentage of workers exposed to MWF mist >0.5 mg/m 3 was 17.6%. Most workers were exposed to fungi levels >10 3 CFU/m 3 . All exposures to endotoxins were <50 EU/m 3 .…”

“…Most workers were exposed to fungi levels >10 3 CFU/m 3 . All exposures to endotoxins were <50 EU/m 3 . Logistic regression analysis found that use of synthetic MWF was significantly associated with excess risk of nasal stuffiness (OR 3.5), nasal itchiness (OR 2.0), and runny nose (OR 2.1).…”