Diseases Linked to Cutting Fluids
Water-based metalworking fluids support the growth of biological contaminants which are known to cause a variety of respiratory illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has linked the following lung diseases to exposure to cutting fluids.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also called extrinsic allergic alveolitis or EAA, is an inflammation of the alveoli within the lungs caused by hypersensitivity to inhaled organic dusts. Patients are commonly exposed to this dust through their occupations or hobbies. Symptons include coughing, loss of appetite and fatigue. In rare cases, it can develop into pulmonary fibrosis which, if untreated, can lead to death. To read more about hypersensitivity pneumonitis click here.
Lipoid or Lipid pneumonia
Lipoid pneumonia, also called cholesterol pneumonitis, is a rare respiratory disease caused by inhalation of mineral, animal or vegetable oil. Symptoms include cough, chest pain or shortness of breath. Not all people display symptoms.
Occupational asthma
Occupational asthma, also considered one of the two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a respiratory disease that constricts a person’s airways as a result of sensitization to causes and conditions linked to a particular occupational environment and not to stimuli encountered outside the workplace.
Chronic bronchitis
A lung disease that is considered as one of the two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s characterized by chronic airway inflammation that causes increased mucus secretion and coughing. A person must cough up secretions on most days for three months of the year for at least two consecutive years to be diagnoised. Symptoms include morning cough that brings up phlegm, breathlessness and wheezing.
Impaired pulmonary function
A condition where a person’s lung function – specifically the amount of air and the speed at which the person breathes – does not work as well as it should. Doctors use pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to diagnose this condition which can be a sign of a more serious lung disease.
For more information about diseases linked to cutting or metalworking fluids or for a free consultation, please contact us.
Learn more about Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis:
» What is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?
Resources for Clients
NIOSH Handbook on Metalworking Fluids (PDF)
OSHA's Metalworking Fluid Best Practices
CDC's Workplace Safety & Health Topics