Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids

This criteria document reviews available information about the adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to metalworking fluids (MWFs) and MWF aerosols. Substantial evidence indicates that workers currently exposed to MWF aerosols have an increased risk of nonmalignant respiratory disease and skin diseases. To prevent or greatly reduce the risk of adverse health effects in exposed workers, NIOSH recommends that exposures to MWF aerosols be limited to 0.4 mg/m³ of air for thoracic particulate mass (or 0.5 mg/m³ for total particulate mass) as a time-weighted average (TWA) concentration for up to 10 hr/day during a 40-hr week.

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids [PDF - 8,797 KB]