Variability in skin exposure in machine operators exposed to cutting fluids

Abstract

Variability in skin exposure in machine operators exposed to cutting fluids by Wassenius O, Järvholm B, Engström T, Lillienberg L, Meding B Key terms: hand eczema; occupation; skin exposure This article in PubMed: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9630060 Scand J Work Environ Health 1998;24(2): 125-9 Variability in the skin exposure of machine operators exposed to cutting fluids by Ola Wassenius, MSG,' Bengt Jarvholm, MD,* Tomas Engstrom, PhD,' Linnea Lillienberg, PhD,3 Birgitta Meding, MD4 Wassenius 0, Jarvholm B, Engstrom T, Lillienberg L, Meding B. Variability in skin exposure in machine operators exposed to cutting fluids. Scand J Work Envi ron Heal th 1998;24(2):125-9.Objective This study describes a new technique for measuring skin exposure to cutting fluids and evaluates the variability of skin exposure among machine operators performing cyclic (repetitive) work. Methods The technique is based on video recording and subsequent analysis of the video tape by means of computer-synchronized video equipment. The time intervals at which the machine operator's hand was exposed to fluid were registered, and the total wet time of the skin was calculated by assuming different evaporation times for the fluid. The exposure of 12 operators with different work methods was analyzed in 6 different workshops, which included a range of machine types, from highly automated metal cutting machines (ie, actual cutting and chip removal machines) requiring operator supervision to conventional metal cutting machines, where the operator was required to maneuver the machine and manually exchange products. Results The relative wet time varied between 0% and 100%. A significant association between short cycle time and high relative wet time was noted. However, there was no relationship between the degree of automatization of the metal cutting machines and wet time.C O~C~U S~O~S The study shows that skin exposure to cutting fluids can vary considerably between machine operators involved in manufacturing processes using different types of metal cutting machines. The machine type was not associated with dermal wetness. The technique appears to give objective information about dermal wetness.

An assessment of dermal exposure to semi-synthetic metal working fluids by different methods to group workers for an epidemiological study on dermatitis

“…The authors found that a shorter cycle time was related to increased skin wetness. We found an association between the numbers of work pieces handled with dermal exposure for workers using compressed air to clean work pieces, which is in congruence with the relation found by Wassenius and colleagues 15 for cycle time, as machines with shorter cycle times generally result in a higher number of work pieces handled by a worker. In addition, we found different dermal exposure levels for open and closed machines, but not for different types of closed machines, whereas Wassenius and colleagues 15 did not find any relation between type of machine and skin wetness.…”

“…In addition, we found different dermal exposure levels for open and closed machines, but not for different types of closed machines, whereas Wassenius and colleagues 15 did not find any relation between type of machine and skin wetness. Possibly, machinery studied by Wassenius and colleagues 15 did not include open machines, or differences between open and closed machines are less adequately detected by observational methods. The latter can also be seen from our study because, as compared to the quantitative dermal exposure assessment methods, the DREAM method detected a smaller, not statistically significant, difference in exposure levels between open and closed machines.…”

“…[11][12][13][14] To our knowledge, only three studies quantified dermal exposures. [15][16][17] As dermal exposure levels generally do not correlate with inhalation exposure levels, 18 it is useful to quantify dermal exposure in MWF exposed workers for epidemiological studies on local effects such as dermatitis, and systemic effects such as cancer, as MWF may penetrate the skin and contribute to internal exposure levels of MWF. Dermal exposure can be measured by different methods, including surrogate skin methods (for example, skin pads) 19 and fluorescent tracer methods.…”

Self‐reported skin exposure – validation of questions by observation

“…Such methods are, however, not feasible in epidemiological studies. Videotape recording has been used for measuring skin exposure to cutting fluids (3). Some studies have tried to quantify the time of skin exposure through questionnaires (4, 5) and observations (6, 7).…”

Dermal Versus Total Uptake of Benzene from Mineral Spirits Solvent During Parts Washing

“…Dermal contact during occupational activities involving hand manipulations during liquid applications—such as application of biocides, or work with semisynthetic metal working fluids (i.e., products used as lubricants and coolants during the machining or treatment of metal components)—tends to be measured in units of cumulative mass contacted or potential flux (as mass per cm 2 /h), rather than in terms of areas and/or durations of liquid contact per se , with results that exhibit substantial magnitudes of interindividual variability . Only a percentage equal to 100(f T wet )% of total parts washing duration T was assumed to generate MSS exposure by either Process 1 or 2, where f T wet was estimated to be 100% for T < 10 minutes and 50% for T ≥ 10 minutes, based on field observations indicating that durations of wet‐hand contact for manual work involving the use of liquids do not typically exceed 50% . Of the total of the wet duration (f T wet T ), only an uncertain fraction (f T splash ) was assumed to involve brushing activity that generates splash droplets contacting worker skin.…”