Systematic Review of Respiratory Outbreaks Associated with Exposure to Water-Based Metalworking Fluids

Burton, Clare; Crook, B.; Scaife, Helena; Evans, Gareth S; Barber, Christopher M.

doi:10.1093/annhyg/mer121

Cited by 39 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…This method enables the detection of live mycobacteria and reduces the threshold of detection of these microorganisms by three orders of magnitude compared to the culturing methods [28]. Molecular methods, such as real-time PCR, and a simple, recently developed species-specific colorimetric-PCR assay have been used to detect and identify two species of NTM: M. immunogenum and Mycobacterium chelonae in the samples of MFWs [29].…”

Section: Mycobacterium Immunogenum and Other Fast Growing Mycobacteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Microorganisms in metalworking fluids: Current issues in research and management

Trafny¹

2013

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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The microbial contamination of water miscible metalworking fluids (MWFs) is a serious problem in metal industry. A good maintenance of MWF re-circulation systems can extend the lifetime of coolants and ensure the quality of the tools produced. In MWFs, as in the other water-based environments, microorganisms usually live in the form of biofilms, the communities of bacteria and fungi attached to the surface of sumps, metal parts and also to each other. Biofilms exhibit very high resistance to biocides. The effect of biocides that are used as additives to MWFs to control the growth of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes (microorganisms characteristic to the individual coolant system) have become the subject of research only in recent years. There are also only sparse reports on the impact of biocides on microorganisms growing in biofilms in MWF installations. Fast growing mycobacteria are important members of these biofilm communities. Their presence has recently been linked with the occurrence of cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious respiratory disorder in the metal industry employees. The new, relatively fast and inexpensive techniques to assess the species diversity within MWF microbiomes and their population size should be developed in order to control the microorganisms' proliferation in MWFs and to diminish the occupational exposure to harmful bioaerosols in metal industry.

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Section: Mycobacterium Immunogenum and Other Fast Growing Mycobacteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Microorganisms in metalworking fluids: Current issues in research and management

Trafny¹

2013

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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“…The widespread use of compressed air by machine operators, who often had much exposed skin on their arms and legs, presented a plausible route of skin exposure despite consistent use of gloves. Inhalation of MWF aerosols may irritate the throat, nose, and lung and has been associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and worsening of pre-existing respiratory problems [Burton et al 2012]. Machine operators' symptoms were consistent with MWF exposure.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…MWFs are complex mixtures used to cool, lubricate, and remove metal chips from tools and parts during machining of metal stock. MWFs often contain other substances including biocides, corrosion inhibitors, metal fines, tramp oils, and biological contaminants [Burton et al 2012;NIOSH 1998a]. Inhalation of MWF aerosols may irritate the throat, nose, and lungs and has been associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and worsening of pre-existing respiratory problems [Burton et al 2012].…”

Section: Metalworking Fluidmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…MWFs often contain other substances including biocides, corrosion inhibitors, metal fines, tramp oils, and biological contaminants [Burton et al 2012;NIOSH 1998a]. Inhalation of MWF aerosols may irritate the throat, nose, and lungs and has been associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and worsening of pre-existing respiratory problems [Burton et al 2012]. Additionally, skin contact with MWFs may cause allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis depending on the chemical composition, additives and contaminants, type of metal being machined, and the exposed individual's tendency for developing allergies [WISHA 2001].…”

Section: Metalworking Fluidmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Investigation of dermal and respiratory exposures to metalworking fluids at an automotive parts manufacturer.

2016

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The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from a manager at an automotive part manufacturing plant. The request concerned respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal symptoms among employees exposed to metalworking fluids. We visited the plant four times in 2013 and 2014. What We Did • We interviewed employees about their medical and work histories, examined employees' rashes, and reviewed employee medical records. • We asked employees to fill out a questionnaire about work exposures and symptoms. • We took air samples for metalworking fluid mist, formaldehyde, and endotoxin.

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“…MWFs often contain other substances, including biocides, corrosion inhibitors, metal fines, tramp oils, and biological contaminants. [15,16] On the basis of the analytical findings and odor characteristics, it is likely that 3,5-MDMP being produced in MWFs was causing the unpleasant, persistent odor in the facility. No research studies have reported on the toxicity of 3,5-MDMP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating a persistent odor at an aircraft seat manufacturer

Broadwater

Perio

Roberts

et al. 2016

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

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An aircraft seat manufacturing company requested a NIOSH health hazard evaluation to help identify a strong odor that had persisted throughout the facility for over a year. Employees reported experiencing health effects thought to be related to the odor. We collected and analyzed area air samples for volatile organic compounds, endotoxin, bacterial and fungal metagenome, and metalworking fluid aerosol. Bulk metalworking fluid samples were analyzed for endotoxin, bacterial and fungal metagenome, and viable bacteria and fungus. We also evaluated the building ventilation systems and water diversion systems. Employees underwent confidential medical interviews about work practices, medical history, and health concerns. Based on our analyses, the odor was likely 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. This pyrazine was found in air samples across the facility and originated from bacteria in the metalworking fluid. We did not identify bacteria known to produce the compound but bacteria from the same Proteobacteria order were found as well as bacteria from orders known to produce other pyrazines. Chemical and biological contaminants and odors could have contributed to health symptoms reported by employees, but it is likely that the symptoms were caused by several factors. We provided several recommendations to eliminate the odor including washing and disinfecting the metalworking machines and metalworking fluid recycling equipment, discarding all used metal-working fluid, instituting a metalworking fluid maintenance program at the site, and physically isolating the metalworking department from other departments.

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Systematic Review of Respiratory Outbreaks Associated with Exposure to Water-Based Metalworking Fluids

Abstract: Despite a number of detailed workplace and immunological studies of asthma and alveolitis outbreaks in MWF-exposed workforces, our understanding of their aetiology remains limited.

Cited by 39 publications

References 39 publications

Microorganisms in metalworking fluids: Current issues in research and management

Microorganisms in metalworking fluids: Current issues in research and management

Investigation of dermal and respiratory exposures to metalworking fluids at an automotive parts manufacturer.

Investigating a persistent odor at an aircraft seat manufacturer

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