Cutting Oil Coolant Skin Hazard WWII

Metalworking fluids, such as the cutting oils and coolants mentioned in this clip, are used to reduce heat and friction and to improve product quality in industrial machining and grinding operations. There are numerous formulations, ranging from straight oils (such as petroleum oils) to water-based fluids, which include soluble oils and semisynthetic /synthetic fluids. Some 1.2 million workers in machine finishing, machine tooling, and other metalworking and metal-forming operations are potentially exposed. Workers can be exposed to the fluids by breathing aerosols generated in the machining process, or through skin contact when they handle parts, tools, and equipment covered with the fluids. Occupational exposures to metalworking fluids may cause a variety of health effects. Respiratory conditions include hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), chronic bronchitis, impaired lung function, and asthma. Work-related asthma (WRA) is one of today's most prevalent occupational disorders, imposing significant costs in healthcare and workers' compensation. Dermatologic exposures are most commonly associated with, but not limited to, allergic and irritant dermatitis (skin rash). In addition, substantial evidence shows that past exposures to some metalworking fluids were associated with increased risk of some types of cancer. Although actions taken in the last several decades have reduced that risk, it is not known if these actions have totally eliminated the risk. For more information, go to the NIOSH webpage on metalworking fluids at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/metalworking/ . This was clipped from the film Danger Women At Work, available at the Internet Archives.