Evaluation of Respiratory and Skin Problems

Details

• Personal Author:
  Boylstein, Randy J. ; Cox-Ganser, Jean M. ; Cummings, Kristin J. ; Boylstein, Randy J. ; Cox-Ganser, Jean M. ; Cummings, Kristin J.
• Description:
  The HHE Program responded to a request from machine shop workers in a facility that produces aluminum wheels. Workers reported recurrent pneumonias, asthma, and other symptoms that they related to metalworking fluid (MWF). HHE Program investigators conducted phone interviews with workers, company officials, and treating physicians. Investigators reviewed medical records and records of MWF and air monitoring. They also analyzed samples of the MWF using culture, endotoxin and fungal glucan assays, and polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterial DNA. Investigators found that some workers had work-related respiratory and skin problems, including occupational asthma and a constellation of symptoms concerning for hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Monitoring records demonstrated air levels of MWF above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit and no or IQW detection of bacteria and fungi in MWF. Culture of MWF showed minimal bacterial growth and no mycobacterial or fungal growth. Endotoxin levels were very low (52-150 ED/ml), but glucan levels were detectable (133-266 ng/ml). Nearly all (11/12) samples had mycobacterial DNA, specifically M. immunogenum. Negative MWF cultures do not preclude the occurrence of MWF-related symptoms. Non-culture analytic methods can provide useful information about microbial presence in MWF. The final report is available at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0263-3069.pdf. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic Asthma Asthma, Occupational Dermatitis Hypersensitivity Lung Metals Metal Workers Mycoses Occupational Health Respiratory System Respiratory Tract Diseases Safety Skin Skin Diseases

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• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Metalworking Fluid Bacteria Bronchial-asthma Dermatosis Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Metalworking Metalworking-fluids Metalworking-industry Mycobacteria Mycotoxins Occupational Asthma Pulmonary-function Pulmonary-system-disorders Region-7 Respiratory-system-disorders Skin-disorders Skin-irritants

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• ISSN:
  1077-3525
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary ; Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Kansas ; Ohio ; OSHA Region 5 ; OSHA Region 7
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DRDS - Division of Respiratory Disease Studies ; DRDS - Division of Respiratory Disease Studies
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health ; Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America ; North America
• Volume:
  15
• Issue:
  2
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20035665
• Citation:
  Int J Occup Environ Health 2009 Apr; 15(2):230
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2009
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:abed62e14f20cec0e08e892ab335bf5bfd52e8983b124252cd88bf148daa3797705351c1006b33e46b954a31e92e0f1fb62b8b42da48d2f832bc05b1311801ea
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/187459/cdc_187459_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 433.00 KB ]