Assessing the genotoxicity of industrial cutting fluids under conditions of use

Emulsions of water-soluble cutting fluids (wsCF) and non-water-soluble cutting fluids are used in large quantities for machining processes in the metal processing industry. From toxicological and epidemiological studies health risks resulting from handling of cutting fluids are well-known. Recently, the new technology of "minimist lubricant supply" (MLS) has been introduced which uses only minimal amounts of cutting fluids, in order to reduce the costs for use and disposal. This involves higher temperatures to which the fluids are subjected. Water-soluble cutting fluids supplemented with formaldehyde donors as biocides may lead to mutagenic potential. Current data show that attention should be given to generation of other genotoxic aldehydes from cutting fluids under condition of use, referring to both conventional and "minimist lubricant supply" technologies. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.