Respiratory diseases in workers exposed to metalworking fluids
Authors:
S. Perečinský
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika pracovného lekárstva a klinickej toxikológie, Lekárskej Fakulty Univerzity P. J. Šafárika a Univerzitnej Nemocnice L. Pasteura, Košice, prednosta prof. MUDr. Ľubomír Legáth, PhD.
Published in:
Pracov. Lék., 73, 2021, No. 3-4, s. 66-71.
Category:
Review Papers
Overview
Metalworking fluids are complex mixtures of oils, water and chemical additives used to reduce heat and friction and to remove metal particles in the metalworking process. The aerosol generated during the metalworking process poses a risk for the development of several respiratory diseases, of which allergic diseases are currently the most important. The aim of this work is to summarize the knowledge about occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis and bronchial asthma induced by metalworking fluids. Sporadic cases of the disease may occur in individual workplaces, but the mass occurrence, which is most often described in the automotive industry, is also typical. The significant increase in cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the last two decades in some Western European countries is well documented by several studies. However, the prevalence of asthma may be even higher compared to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In the etiopathogenesis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, microbial contamination of metalworking fluids is used, where the aqueous component represents a suitable environment for the multiplication of a wide range of microorganisms. These are mainly gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Mycobacteria. In some cases, mildews are also important. Asthma is rather induced by biocidal additives and endotoxin released from the damaged bacterial wall. Metals released into liquids during machining can also sensitize. Prevention is challenging as it is virtually impossible to completely decontaminate fluids. Cleaning the pipes and changing the fluids has only a short-term effect. On the other hand, biocides promote the growth of resistant microorganisms and can also sensitize. The risk can be reduced by changing the production technology, which eliminates the need to recirculate metalworking fluids.
Keywords:
Asthma – microorganisms – hypersensitivity pneumonitis – metalworking fluids – respiratory diseases
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Labels
Hygiene and epidemiology Hyperbaric medicine Occupational medicineArticle was published in
Occupational Medicine
2021 Issue 3-4
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