Semi-quantitative Respiratory Health Risk Assessment of Exposure to Metalworking Fluids (Oil Mists) in an Automotive Industry

Metalworking fluids are used in many industries, especially those with metalworking processes. Despite their widespread use, these compounds have harmful effects on human health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the semi-quantitative health risks of oil mists in the automotive industry. In this study, ACGIH, IARC indexes, LD50, and the risk of corrosion were used to determine the hazard rate, with the biggest index serving as the hazard rate's base. The actual exposure level was used to compute the exposure rate. Sampling and determination of oil mists were performed according to NIOSH 5026 method and using a membrane filter (37-mm). All risk rates of oil mists were in the high-risk range (H). The hazard rate level for all oil mists was equal to 4. The exposure rate for all oil mists except one of them was equal to 4. Considering the health risks identified in this study, it can be concluded that lathe workers in the automotive industries have a high risk in terms of metalworking fluids exposure.