Workplace exposure to metalworking fluid may cause irreversible lung disease

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-09/elf-wet092415.php

Public Release: 28-Sep-2015
Workplace exposure to metalworking fluid may cause irreversible lung disease
European Lung Foundation

Occupational exposure to fluid commonly used in metal machining operations may be related to a rare, irreversible lung disease, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society's (ERS) International Congress today (28 September, 2015).

Although metalworking fluid is known to be associated with lung diseases involving the immune system, such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an allergic type of pneumonia), this appears to be the first time that exposure to metalworking fluid has been associated with lymphocytic bronchiolitis. In this condition, an overgrowth of immune cells damages the smallest airways in the lung, suggesting an immune system reaction to something inhaled.

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