Metalworking Fluid Hand Dermatitis.

Abstract

In a household appliance plant, several rinse-free lubricating fluids have been used instead of neat mineral oils since 1994: mixtures of isoparaffinic hydrocarbons with 9 to 14 carbons per molecule. As such they denature keratin, irritate and defat the skin, and remove water from it. Work gloves have been worn over plastic gloves and separate, reusable, cotton inner gloves have been added to absorb sweat since skin problems were first recognized in 1994. All 74 males (mean ± SD, 38.8 ± 8.0 years) who work with the fluids were interviewed and given cutaneous examinations when indicated. While 4 cases of severe dermatitis and 31 cases of mild dermatitis were identified, 28 individuals gave a history of similar problems since the use of lubricating fluids. Their symptoms were typical of primary skin irritation. The hands were the commonly affected region (63 of 63 cases: 100%), followed by the thighs (15.9%) and trunk (11.1%). The work-related skin symptoms identified were less common in workers who immediately removed the liquid with soap and water, when it is spilled on the hands, than in those who did not, but the difference was not statistically significant (7/23 (30.4%) vs. 28/51 (54.9%), p=0.051 by chi-square test). Since skin contact with metalworking fluids (MWF) is often unavoidable, good personal hygiene is important in minimizing potential adverse health effects. Health education thus remains the most important preventive measure against irritant contact dermatitis among workers handling MWFs.

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Break-Free CLP: A Weapons Cleaning and Maintenance Compound

“…Dibasic ester (DBF), which contains dimethyl adipate, dimethyl glutarate, and dimethyl succinate, has been characterized as a mild to severe skin irritant in animals but is not a skin sensitizer (DuPont 1996). Repeated or prolonged dermal contact with isoparaffmic hydrocarbons causes dermatitis (Ueno et al 2002, Mullin et al 1990) and may elicit contact sensitization in rare instances (Mullin et al 1990). Dermal application of croton oil and DMBA produces dermal irritation reactions (Moon et al 2001, Robertson et al 1996, Ruben 1982 and repeat application of DMBA produces a contact hypersensitivity response in the skin (Klemme et al 1987).…”

“…Break-Free CLP is a complex mixture made up of polyalphaolefin oil (65%), synthetic oils, esters and synthetic proprietary ingredients (27%), isoparaffmic hydrocarbons (5%), and dibasic ester (3%). Petroleum distillates (Meyer et al 2000, Nessel et al 1999) and isoparaffinic hydrocarbons (Ueno et al 2002, MuUin et al 1990) have been shown to have dermally irritating properties.…”

Development of a New Method for Analysis of Oil Mists

“…Metalworking fluids are a complex mixture of chemicals that were used for lubricating, cleaning, cooling, corroding and rusting inhibitors, and removing chips in a wide range of processes, such as machining, grinding, metal processing, cutting and shaping metal (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Mist mineral oils are generated in industrial processes through aeration, contact with fast-moving surfaces and high temperature (6).…”

Acute and subacute dermal toxicity of Break-Free CLP®: a weapons cleaning and maintenance compound

“…Break-Free CLP is a complex mixture made up of polyalphaolefin oil (65%), synthetic oils, esters and synthetic proprietary ingredients (27%), isoparaffinic hydrocarbons (5%) and dibasic ester (3%). Petroleum distillates (Nessel et al, 1999;Meyer et al, 2000) as well as isoparaffinic hydrocarbons (Mullin et al, 1990;Ueno et al, 2002) have been shown to have dermally irritating properties.…”