Analysis on Chemical Ingredients with Anti-microbial Activity in Water-based Metalworking Fluids

This study was conducted to estimate if the level of several chemical ingredients including alkanolamines or ethanolamines (EA) examined in the specific synthetic metalworking fluid (MWF) “A” can cause anti-microbial activity and health effect. Three water-based MWF products (“A”, “B”, and “C”) were studied every week for two months (from June 1, 2002 to July 30, 2002). Chemical ingredients such as formaldehyde, boron, EA, and copper were examined. In the sump where MWF “A” was used, not only the total level of EA, monoethanolamine(MEA), diethanolamine(DEA) and triethanolamine(TEA), but also boron level were significantly higher than those of the other MWFs. ANOVA statistical tests indicated that levels of pH, alkalinity, boron, MEA, DEA and TEA in MWF A were significantly higher than those in other MWF types. Correlation tests also found that levels of pH, alkalinity, boron, MEA, DEA and TEA in MWF “A” are significantly correlated. We suggested the assumptions that excessive concentrations of EA, and borate at a high pH level, may cause anti-microbial resistance synergically, To demonstrate this assumption, additional study is needed to examine the relationship between the levels of microbes and excessive concentrations of EA, and borate at a high pH level.