Why Some Flood Coolants Are Hazardous To Metal Workers

This article was originally posted on: https://maglubemql.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/why-some-flood-coolants-are-hazardous-to-metal-workers/

Flood cooling is a staple cooling method employed by the metal works industry. For instance, this cooling method is used in machining, cutting, and grinding works on metal pieces owing to the benefits the cooling method accords users. For starters, flooding cooling offers a somewhat efficient method of cooling both the workpieces and tools after heat is generated by the friction. Additionally, it allows enhanced lubrication, prevents carrion and washes away the removed or cut metal pieces, all of which can enhance the life of the tool and quality of the workpiece. However, it can also cause damage to the tools it's supposed to be protecting.

However, as good as a cooling method flood cooling is, it has its downside, the major one being the coolants are a hazard to workers. Herein are some of the reasons flood coolants are considered a hazard for workers.

The Mixture That Composes Flood Cooling Has Negative Health Effects To Workers 

Flood coolants are usually a mixture of oils (and sometimes other lubricants), biocides, detergents, surfactants, anticorrosive agents, and other proprietary chemicals. These mixtures of chemicals yield quite negative side effects on the worker's health when they come into any kind contact with the chemicals. Some of the prominent health side effects that result from direct contact with the chemical mixture include:

1. Respiratory Disorders - Flood cooling usually results in the formation of an aerosol, which not properly ventilated to the outside, accumulate in the facility. This leads to worker inhaling the aerosol, and thereafter, they develop respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic bronchitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and in some extreme cases impaired lung function.
   
   It is suspected that microbial agents and the toxins that they produce cause these kinds of disorders. The coolants that have a large quantity of water tend to produce more aerosol content, thereby increasing the risk of respiratory disorders.
   
   
2. Skin Disorders -
   Workers usually run the risk of coming into with the coolant oils when maintaining the equipment, changing tools, retrieving the workpiece, and refilling the coolant reservoir. The notable effects of the coolant coming into contact with the skin include oil acne, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, inflammation of the hair follicles, and keratosis.
   
   While small exposure is usually never serious, chronic exposure can lead to chronic infections.
   
   
3. Cancers -
   There is ample evidence indicating that chronic exposure to some coolants causes some types of cancers including rectum, skin, bladder, pancreas, and larynx cancers. However, it is quite difficult to establish the cause-effect relationship that exists between some of the coolants and the resulting cancers. Nonetheless, it is always wise to heed the precautionary advice.
   
   Additionally, another form of hazard may be created when the coolant fluids are contaminated with degreasers, tramp oils, and other chemicals that used in the facility. The combination of pressure and the heat produced at the point of operation on the workpiece can convert some additives to nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
   
   

   Finally, some flood coolant, especially water-based coolants are known to provide a conducive environment for the growth and proliferation of bacteria and some types of mold to form. While the risk of direct skin infection by the bacteria is quite minimal, it makes the coolants a hazard for workers.

   There is a better way. Maglube developed a system of micro-lubrication, which uses microscopic amounts of eco-friendly lubricants to reduce or even eliminate friction during the machining process.

   Maglube's process known as MQL, or minimum quantity lubrication saves manufacturers time, money and eliminates potential health concerns for the workers. For more details how Maglube can revolutionize your machining process, visit our website at: https://www.maglube.com/

   Our eco friendly lubricants can be used in virtually every type of metal working manufacturing there is. Whether you need band saw lubricants, CNC lubricants, metal forming lubricants or rotary saw lubricants, Maglube has what you need. We can custom design your MQL system to perfection.