Reassessing The Health Risks Associated With Employee Exposure To Metalworking Fluid Microbes

Metalworking fluids provide an excellent environment for the growth and proliferation of a variety of bacteria and fungi. Historically, the incidence of infectious disease outbreaks at metalworking facilities has been rare. Consequently the primary focus of microbial contamination control efforts has been to prevent fluid biodeterioration. Research conducted over the past decade increasingly supports an argument for reevaluating microbial contamination control strategies. Although communicable disease risk remains low, there is likely to be an increased risk of toxin and allergen exposure for metalworking facility personnel routinely exposed to metalworking fluid aerosols. This paper summarizes current knowledge and suggests direction for further research on health risks associated with exposure to the biological constituents of metalworking fluid aerosols.