Risks related to exposure to cooling lubricants

In this article we are going to analyse the main risks associated with exposure to coolant fluids, pollutants that are still too often ignored and underestimated despite the fact that they cause a lot of damage.

Coolant fluids are all those liquids used for the lubrication of cutting tools, whose purpose is to cool and rinse the chips produced during machining in order to reduce friction and wear. These substances are usually lubricating oils of mineral, vegetable or synthetic origin, in some cases miscible with water.

There are many different emulsions with different formulations to be used depending on the material being processed and the tool used, but usually the solutions consist of 50% lubricating oil with specific additives and water.

There is a European REACH regulation that provides guidance on the choice of coolants, as well as an ECHA list updated every six months with the most hazardous and monitored substances, so the substances used, as suggested, should be boron-free and formaldehyde-free, considered among the most harmful. Lastly, the disposal of coolant liquids must also follow a specific procedure, since they are exhausted industrial waste, and are therefore subject to CER coding and collection by authorized companies. A clear distinction is also made between mineral and synthetic oils, emulsions and solutions, and also between those containing halogens and those not.

What does exposure to cooling lubricants mean for health?

The presence of cooling lubricants, as per Legislative Decree 81/2008, must be included in the "Company Risk Assessment" documentation, because these substances represent a real and tangible risk to human health.

But what are the main harms associated with exposure to these pollutants?

• The lipid-solubilising action of emulsifiers and the alkaline component can cause significant damage to the protective status of the skin.
• Can the decomposition of certain additives give rise to a degreasing, irritating and sensitising substance  and where can it cause damage?
• The use of substances such as pyridintione, thiazoles, isothiazolinones, phenolic derivatives, formaldehyde and biocides has shown irritating, sensitising and percutaneous toxicity effects.

In these terms, it is easy to understand how prolonged exposure to coolants can cause dermatitis, allergies, respiratory diseases and, in the worst cases, carcinogenic forms.

In order to limit the damage caused by the presence of coolant fluids, solutions should be devised for filtering and purifying industrial air to ensure maximum safety and health.