Persistence of N-nitrosodiethanolamine contamination in American metal-working lubricants.
The potent carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) was discovered as a contaminant of commercial metal-working lubricants over a decade ago. To determine whether or not improvements in industrial practice suggested in the meantime have eliminated this contamination from United States products, a selection of cutting fluids obtained from the current marketplace was analysed for NDELA content. All six semi-synthetic fluids examined contained NDELA at levels ranging from 0.5 to 4.3 ppm. Three of six petroleum-based lubricants and five of six synthetics also contained significant NDELA (when analysed at a detection limit of 0.03 ppm), at levels of up to 0.16 and 55 ppm, respectively. The mean concentrations were 1.5 ppm for the semi-synthetics, 0.07 ppm for the petroleum-based products, and 11.4 ppm for the synthetic metal-working fluids. While these levels are far below the values of 1-2% by weight (10,000-20,000 ppm) found in some contaminated products 13 years ago, they may nevertheless pose a continuing health risk for the machinists who work with them.
Chemistry Section, National Cancer Institute, Frederick Cancer Research Facility, MD 21701.
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LK
Keefer
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Goff
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J
Stevens
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Bennett
D004052:Diethylnitrosamine / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D008669:Metallurgy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis
D010578:Petroleum; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine