Robert M Park1. 1. Education and Information Division, Risk Evaluation Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, Ohio.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metalworking fluids (MWF) are complex mixtures with dermal and inhalation exposure. Published reports reveal excess cancer risk. METHODS: Using published findings exposure response was derived for each attributable cancer site. Aggregate excess lifetime risk was estimated by applying a lifetable calculation. RESULTS: Cancer sites contributing the most attributable cases were larynx, esophagus, brain, female breast, and uterine cervix. With constant workplace MWF exposure of 0.1 mg/m3 over a 45 years working life, the risk of attributable cancer was 3.7% or, excluding the less certain female cancers, 3.1%. CONCLUSION: Substantial cancer risks occurred at 0.1 mg/m3 MWF, one fourth of the current NIOSH recommended exposure limit for MWF total particulate. Because ingredients in current MWF remain from earlier formulations, it is likely that some MWF carcinogenicity persists today. Although important changes have occurred, newer agents are being continually introduced with little or no knowledge of chronic health risks. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
BACKGROUND:Metalworking fluids (MWF) are complex mixtures with dermal and inhalation exposure. Published reports reveal excess cancer risk. METHODS: Using published findings exposure response was derived for each attributable cancer site. Aggregate excess lifetime risk was estimated by applying a lifetable calculation. RESULTS:Cancer sites contributing the most attributable cases were larynx, esophagus, brain, female breast, and uterine cervix. With constant workplace MWF exposure of 0.1 mg/m3 over a 45 years working life, the risk of attributable cancer was 3.7% or, excluding the less certain female cancers, 3.1%. CONCLUSION: Substantial cancer risks occurred at 0.1 mg/m3 MWF, one fourth of the current NIOSH recommended exposure limit for MWF total particulate. Because ingredients in current MWF remain from earlier formulations, it is likely that some MWF carcinogenicity persists today. Although important changes have occurred, newer agents are being continually introduced with little or no knowledge of chronic health risks. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Entities:
Keywords:
auto workers; esophageal cancer; excess lifetime risk; exposure response; laryngeal cancer
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