The U.S. National Toxicology Program has deferred for future consideration a decision on whether to include metalworking fluids in its Report on Carcinogens.
On May 5 the NTP identified a number of substances proposed for inclusion in the 12th Report on Carcinogens as well as several, including metalworking fluids, which will not be included. Metalworking fluids had been nominated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 2004 for possible listing in the 12th report.
We feel good that they have no rush to judgment, said Lon Fanning of Perkins Products, who chairs the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Associations Metalworking Lubricants Committee. Its a complex issue, but the studies dont show adverse health effects.
ILMA notified its members of the NTP deferral last week, noting that it likely reflects NTPs need to complete the 12th Report and recognition that a speedy scientific consensus on the diverse and complex mixtures that are metalworking fluids is unlikely.
ILMA opposed the nomination of metalworking fluids in 2004, and there has been no discernible action by NTP since then, according to ILMAs member newsletter Flashpoint. NTP may also be awaiting the results of chronic rodent inhalation studies on commercial metalworking fluid concentrates that are currently under way, ILMA said.
NTP is a federal interagency program whose mission is to evaluate agents of public health concern by developing and applying tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology.