Health Issues

The importance of good management of metal removal fluid systems cannot be emphasized enough. When MRF is used as intended, maintained properly, kept clean, and monitored, the risk to employees’ health is greatly lowered. Like all chemicals, including those we use every day in our homes, metal removal fluid must be handled safely and appropriately.

Some health concerns have recently surfaced in regard to metal removal fluids. This chapter will explain those risks and how to minimize them. Good MRF management, good housekeeping in the shop, and employees who understand the "best practice" in working with MRF can keep health risks low.

On this page:

MSDS

how exposure occurs

eye contact

ingestion

link to these pages:

dermatitis

respiratory effects

cancer

This part of the guide will answer the following questions:

How are workers exposed to metal removal fluids?

How can MRF affect the health of employees?

How can health risks be lowered?

The MSDS

The first step to understanding the possible health and physical hazards of a particular metal removal fluid is to read the MSDS--the Material Safety Data Sheet.

This sheet, which must be provided with the MRF, provides information on safe use practices as well as on potential health effects of the fluid. Because fluid formulations vary considerably among suppliers, the MSDS should be the first place to look for information on a particular fluid. The information in the MSDS should be reviewed, and any questions regarding the product should be answered to your satisfaction by the fluid supplier. An MSDS for each fluid formulation must be available in the workplace..

If your supplier has a web site, you may be able to view the MSDS on the web.

How does exposure to metal removal fluid occur?

Exposure may be direct, through contact with the fluid, perhaps due to splashing; or indirect, through airborne mists and vapors or fluid residue on machinery and parts.

Dermal (skin) contact, eye contact, inhalation, ingestion and injection are all potential routes of exposure. Inhalation and skin contact are the most significant occupational routes of entry. Broken skin and cuts can also provide a direct route of exposure.

We'll discuss eye contact and ingestion here. Click on the links to learn about dermatitis, the effects of inhaling MRF aerosol (mist), and whether MRF can be linked to cancer.

How does MRF affect the eye of a worker?

Most water-dilutable metal removal fluids are alkaline (pH greater than 7). As such, they can cause mild to intense irritation of the eyes when eyes are splashed with the concentrate or the diluted in-use fluid. Splashing may occur when the concentrate is being transferred from the shipping container to the fluid sump or reservoir. In-use metal removal fluids may contact the eyes through misting or splashing from operating metal removal processes.

Appropriate eyewash equipment should be readily available wherever MRFs are used, and eye protection should be used to prevent accidental eye contact, especially during transfer, when splashing may occur.

What effect is there if the MRF is ingested?

Generally, undiluted MRF concentrates are not acutely toxic (LD₅₀ > 5 mg/kg). However,consult the MSDS or fluid supplier for further information. General symptoms of accidental ingestion may include gastrointestinal distress. The health effects of swallowing MRFs are unknown. Eating, drinking, or smoking in the workplace will increase the chance of ingestion if the fluid has not been completely removed from the skin.