For Immediate Release
Milacron Marketing Company
(513) 458-8101

CINCINNATI, OH — The issue of microbial growth in metalworking fluids is a long-standing one — but Health and Safety should always come first.

Two points are well understood. One, it is possible to achieve control of microbes in fluids by using raw materials that are resistant to microbial growth or, in some cases, even toxic to microbes. Two, using a non-EPA registered biocide to kill microbes, without registering that material as a biocide is not only of deep and serious concern due to hazardous health implications, but it is also illegal. It should be noted that today some fluid suppliers are suggesting their products are completely resistant to all forms of microbial growth and that this bioresistance is accomplished without the use of biocides or EPA “registered biocides”. These materials are then suggested to be non-hazardous, or “safe”, and pose no exposure hazards for fluid users.

One chemical currently found in some metalworking fluids is an alkylamine compound known as dicyclohexylamine (DCHA). DCHA has recently emerged as the focus of considerable concern and attention. Information on DCHA is available through a simple Internet search; as can be seen, the MSDS confirms the compound is toxic by ingestion and skin absorption.

It is entirely possible that DCHA may be used in products and not listed on the MSDS. In accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communications Standard (HCS), only materials that contribute to the hazard of the product are required to be listed. Some fluid suppliers using DCHA apparently assume that it causes no hazards, and may even give their product a “zero” health rating. However, independent laboratory tests have shown that DCHA concentrations of less than 1% in a metalworking fluid mix can be fatal to test animals through skin absorption. Further, metalworking products containing DCHA have been found to be corrosive to the skin by the DOT Skin Corrosivity Test Procedures, and according to the OSHA Hazard Communication standard(HCS), MSDS’s should report this health and safety information as a warning to the fluid users.

There are several analytical test methods available to confirm the presence of DCHA in a metalworking fluid. Many laboratories routinely run this procedure. However, the first step a metalworking fluid user should take is to asks fluid manufacturers if DCHA is used in their products.

The health and safety of the workers using our metalworking fluids has always been the most important issue when formulating CIMCOOL® metalworking fluids, and none of our fluids has ever contained DCHA. Moreover, we will gladly provide information on our entire line of fluid products — products that will fully meet all of your metalworking fluid needs, for performance, longevity, stability and safety.

While microbial growth in metalworking fluids will continue to be an issue requiring ongoing research and investigation, by far the greatest concern must be addressing the issue, not with expedience, but with safety first. Milacron, Inc, is the industry leader in metalworking fluid technology and a leading supplier of fluid management services to help the metalworking industry manage metalworking fluids and reduce costs. It is certified ISO 14001:1996, ISO 9001:2000.

For more information, contact Milacron Marketing Company, 3000 Disney Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45209; 1-888-246-2665; www.cimcool.com