Dermal exposure assessment of metalworking fluid aerosol on workers' hHealth / Hairul Nazmin Nasruddin

Metalworking fluid (MWF) is the oils and liquids that are used to cool and lubricate the metal work pieces, removing metal debris, reduce heat and friction between the cutting tool, and help prevent burning and smoking during machining, milling, or any other metal-work processes. The MWF that used in PRIMA Metal Industries Sdn Bhd is Mobilcut 102. The Semi-Quantitative Dermal Exposure Assessment Method (DREAM) has been used in order to calculate the total actual dermal exposure of metalworking fluid to workers. 2 types of established questionnaires were distributed among 40 workers in Machine Shop Department. The questionnaires are DREAM Questionnaire and Dermal Health Effects Questionnaire. The Dermal Health Effects Questionnaire was developed based on modified Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire. 9 body parts were assessed as required by the DREAM Method. Statistical analyses were calculated by using SPSS. Hand shows the most exposed body part to metalworking fluid which is 4500 DU (Extremely High Exposure) level. The mean and standard deviation for wear and not wear the hand clothing material (PPE) are 964.0706 (± 1180.286) DU and 1112.575 (±794.944) DU respectively. Other more, Bucket Grinder shows greater total dermal exposure than Machine Operator with mean 1806.556 (±1087.352) DU and 751.511 (±615.103) Du respectively. There are significant inversed correlation identified between total dermal exposure and redness (p-value=0.007), flaking (p­value=0.003), and itching (p-value=0.018) which may caused by workers clothing factors. Dermal exposure to MWF may cause several dermal health effects.