Abstract
The skin contactants encountered in hard-metal work may include metals (e.g., cobalt, chromium, nickel), constituents of metalworking fluids (MWFs), protective gloves made of leather or other materials, and a number of skin-irritating factors such as dirty work, abrasion, and wet work.
Wet grinding of hard metal or stellite is especially harmful to skin, while noteworthy skin exposure to cobalt may take place also in the dry sharpening of tools.
Soluble cobalt has been found in MWFs especially in the grinding of hard metal in concentrations high enough to induce contact allergy.
Hand eczema is common in MWF operations including wet grinding of hard metal, and it can result from the irritant effect of the MWFs or from sensitizing components in them, or from both.
Dermal exposure to cobalt can be reduced by good working methods, skin protection, and both personal and workplace hygiene.
Exposure to harmful aerosols can be diminished by using enclosed grinding machines equipped with a local exhaust system. Careful maintenance of MWF is needed.
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Linnainmaa, M., Suuronen, K. (2012). Grinders and Brazers of Hard Metal and Stellite. In: Rustemeyer, T., Elsner, P., John, SM., Maibach, H.I. (eds) Kanerva's Occupational Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_159
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02035-3_159
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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