ACGIH Decision supported by ILMA's SHERA Committee.
Press Release Summary:
The ACGIH has dropped metalworking fluids from Notice of Intended Change of Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for mineral oil. ILMA committee has submitted scientific responses to ACGIH annual update letter, for several years, saying that exposure issues associated with metalworking fluids have to do with contaminants generated while they are in use and not highly refined base oils. Also, ILMA believes exposure should be addressed through systems approach rather than single-number exposure limit.
Original Press Release:
ILMA's SHERA Committee Stance Reflected in ACGIH Announcement
ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 9, 2009) - The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) last week dropped metalworking fluids from its Notice of Intended Change of the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for mineral oil. "This action signifies a monumental change in the regulatory landscape for metalworking fluids and a gratifying validation of ILMA's longstanding position regarding the utility of addressing the occupational exposure to metalworking fluid through a 'single-number' exposure limit," said ILMA Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs Counsel Adam Cramer.
For the last several years, ILMA has received an annual update letter from ACGIH regarding its intent to revise the TLV. In response every year, ILMA's SHERA Committee submitted to ACGIH a comprehensive and cogent scientific response that pointed out critical flaws in ACGIH's approach and noted that the occupational exposure issues associated with metalworking fluids have little to do with the highly refined base oils used by ILMA members, but rather with contaminants that can be generated while the fluids are in use. ILMA also noted to ACGIH that, given the complex and dynamic nature of metalworking fluids, occupational exposure should be addressed through a systems approach rather than a single-number exposure limit.
After several years of hoping for change, ILMA is delighted with this development. It is consistent with the science surrounding the issue.
Celeste Powers, Executive Director for ILMA recognized this announcement as a testament to the value of ILMA membership. "This development proves that ILMA's voice is heard by groups that influence policies," she said. 'The hard work of the committee is paying off for Members in a substantial way, and everyone should appreciate that."
A copy of ACGIH's letter to ILMA is available on the ILMA website at http://www.ilma.org/advocacy/letters.cfm.
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) was founded in 1948. ILMA's 300 members include independent lubricant companies that produce more than 25% of all lubricants and 80% or more of the metalworking fluids and other specialty industrial lubricants sold in the U.S., and key suppliers of raw materials and services to independent lubricant manufacturers.
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