Evaluating Workers’ Exposure to Metalworking Fluids and Effective Factors in Their Dispersion in a Car Manufacturing Factory

Introduction. Metalworking fluids (MWFs), which are widely used in metalworking operations, can cause different adverse effects, e.g., dermal and respiratory disorders, and cancer. Evaluating workers’ exposure to MWF mists and the effective factors in their dispersion were the purpose of this study. Materials and Method. Seventy-five out of 300 workers working in metalworking workshops were randomly selected. MWF concentrations were measured with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 5524 method. Air temperature and velocity were also determined as the predicted effective parameters on the level of exposure. Results. The results indicated that exposure to MWF mists in one workshop was higher than in the other ones (p < .05). The findings also showed that temperature was an effective factor in the dispersion of MWF mists (p < .05). Discussion. The exposure of almost all workers was under the threshold limit value of 5 mg/m 3, but it was over the value recommended by NIOSH of 0.5 mg/m 3. Air temperature was an effective factor in workers’ exposure (r = .576).