Metalworking guide omits cancer risk

The HSE has been criticised for omitting occupational cancer from its new online guide to metalworking fluids. The guide only acknowledges breathing and skin disorders caused by exposure to the fluids.

Dr Frank Mirer, director of health and safety at American autoworkers' union UAW, wrote to the HSE: "I find the omission of a mention of occupational cancer in the new page on metalworking fluids to be a significant gap."

Mirer pointed to numerous studies showing a link between metalworking fluids and cancer. His own paper, in the journal Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene in 2003, found "sufficient evidence" of a cancer risk. The Canadian auto-workers' union CAW has also produced guidance making the link.

Another study published earlier this year linked breast cancer in women car workers to metalworking fluid exposure (see Workplace Report, March 2005).