air quality

NEW HAVEN, CT; APRIL 2006 — According the most recent study conducted by OSHA, an estimated 11 million workers in a wide range of industries and occupations are exposed to at least one of the numerous agents known to be associated with occupational asthma and may increase the risk of cancer. Asthma unfortunately is rapidly becoming all too real for many workers due to overexposure to metal working fluids, dust and fumes commonly found in manufacturing facilities.

A mortality study done by Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts links cancer risks to machinery fluids. Researchers studied the mortality rate of more than 46,000 workers with three or more years of service. After identifying all deaths and determining the underlying causes, the results were astounding. They found statistically significant associations between cutting fluid exposures and particular fatal diseases that were not likely due to chance. The risk of dying from several of the diseases was more than double that of an unexposed population.

Inadequate ventilation equipment, inappropriate work practices and sub-par bulk containers all play a role in an employee becoming exposed through breathing and skin contact. The human body is one big filter, a person breathes 16,000 quarts/day each quart contains 70,000 particles and the lungs filter over a billion particles a day but it is still NOT ENOUGH!

Metal working fluids, dust and fumes are common in the manufacturing industry, but do come with risks. Please be aware of the risks and learn how to prevent health problems by taking the necessary precautions.

Potential Risks Include:

• Irritation of the skin, eyes, lungs, nose and throat
• Conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, acne, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Irritation of the upper respiratory tract
• A variety of cancers
  

Recommended Precautions:

• Bring ventilation up to full design standards and ensure enclosures and splash guards are adequate
• Measure airborne exposures to particulate extensively and on a regular basis
• Reduce skin contact with coolants to the degree feasible
• Report and record respiratory symptoms
• Institute active medical surveillance for respiratory effects

For more information on the new OSHA standards visit www.osha.gov