ASTM E1302-12

4.1 Application of this guide will provide information on the acute toxicity of water-miscible metalworking fluids and will assist the user in evaluating the potential health hazards of the fluid and developing appropriate work practices. A water-miscible metalworking fluid is a concentrate designed to be diluted in water for use.

4.2 Water-miscible metalworking fluids are complex chemical mixtures. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (see A1.8) outlines procedures for the hazard determination of mixtures and states that if a mixture has not been tested as a whole, then the mixture shall be assumed to present the same hazards as do the components that comprise 1 % (by weight or volume) or greater of the mixture, except that the mixture shall be assumed to present a carcinogenic hazard if it contains a component in concentrations of 0.1 % or greater, which is considered to be a carcinogen (as defined in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200). The determination of when to test a mixture as a whole and which toxicity tests are appropriate for the product must be made by a health professional, qualified in evaluating toxicological data.

4.3 Acute toxicology testing of water-miscible metalworking fluids consists of several individual tests including acute oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity, eye irritation, skin irritation or corrosion, or both, skin sensitization, and sensory irritation. Certain protocols for acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity tests are limit tests; further multi-dose testing (for example, Test Method E1103) should take place if mortality is noted on any of these tests. The referenced protocols specify the species and number of animals required. Selection of tests conducted should be designed to minimize the number of animals used.

4.4 A number of federal guidelines can be used to establish general procedures for testing acute toxicity of metalworking fluids. Several references are cited in 4.5 The methods referenced in this guide or appropriate alternate methods such as those suggested by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) are acceptable for testing the acute toxicity of water-miscible metalworking fluids. For each test outlined in Annex A1.1-A1.5, a table is included that highlights the similarities and differences between the test protocols.

1.1 This guide defines acute animal toxicity tests and sets forth the references for procedures to assess the acute toxicity of water-miscible metalworking fluids as manufactured.

1.2 Although water-miscible metalworking fluids are typically used at high dilution, dilution rates vary widely. Additionally, there is potential for exposure to the metalworking fluid as manufactured.

1.3  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.