An Epidemiologic Study of an Oil Mist Exposure

Abstract

Using the life table method, a 15-year mortality study was undertaken. on a group of pressmen who were occupationally exposed to a mineral oil mist. Mortality diagnoses for respiratory disease were verified by death certificate. A control group of compositors not exposed to mist were similarly studied. Respiratory morbidity studies were also undertaken. No significant difference in respiratory mortality or morbidity was encountered. This was supported by particle size determinations which showed more than 85% of the oil droplets were collected by a sampler which showed a 50% cut at 3.5μ aerodynamic diameter. The respirable fraction was less than 5 mg/cu m.