Skin Health and Working with Metalworking Fluids Did you know? 13 Million 73% 25% 13 million workers are exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin 73% of skin cases reported were contact dermatitis. Epidemiology. Infect. (2008), 136, 65-72. 25% of lost workers reported were due to work related skin disease. www.aafp.orgl Millions of workers engaged in manufacturing parts for products such as automobiles, aircraft, heavy machinery, and other hardware are exposed to metalworking fluids (MWFs) every year. Many who work with metalworking fluids are unaware of the health hazards they can pose. For example, workers who get the fluids on their hands also tend to pick up tiny metal fragments and shavings. When these bits of metal get into the skin, they can lead to a variety of dermatological issues and infection. What are metalworking fluids? Metalworking fluid is the name given to a range of oils and other liquids that are used to cool and/or lubricate metal workpieces when they are being machined, ground, milled, etc. MWFs reduce the heat and friction between the cutting tool and the workpiece, and help prevent burning and smoking. How can MWFs affect skin? Common skin problems associated with MWFs include: • Mechanical Trauma happens when small cuts from metal shavings (swarf) become infected. • Folliculitis can occur when skin gets contaminated with oil, which results in blocked skin follicles. • Irritant Dermatitis is the most common type of skin problem due to MWF exposure. Soluble and synthetic metalworking fluids can remove protective oils in the skin and damage proteins in its outer layer. • Allergic Dermatitis is less common than irritant dermatitis. The additives in MWFs such as biocides and corrosion inhibitors can cause an allergic reaction in some susceptible individuals. SKIN DISORDERS ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF WORKPLACE ILLNESS SAFETY
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