Metalworking Fluids Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
(NY, Reuters Health, 2/18/05)

Dr. Deborah Thompson of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and associates, followed 4,680 women who had worked for at least three years between 1941 and 1985 at one of three US automobile manufacturing plants . Thompson's team found that, among these women, those who worked with the soluble, oil-based metalworking fluids that were used to cool and lubricate machinery were more likely to develop breast cancer. The researchers note that in the early ‘80s the International Agency for Research on Cancer had classified some of the components of these fluids as carcinogenic and, since then, the use of some of the substances has been reduced; however, further research is necessary because it is difficult to determine exactly which of the many components are toxic.

(American Journal of Industrial Medicine, February 2005)