Metal processor changes surface polishing technology and replaces chemical emulsion

Metal processor changes surface polishing technology and replaces chemical emulsion

Type of measure: Substitution

Offering a wide range of metalworking services, a company used grinding equipment, which required the use of a lubricating-cooling emulsion.

The emulsion was expected to decrease the temperature of abrasive components during metal surface treatment processes. The lubricating-cooling emulsion contained substances that were hazardous both to human health and the environment, including CMRs and VOCs. One of the substances was formaldehyde, which is classified as carcinogen and sensitizer.

The company wanted to phase out these substances. So, they changed the surface grinding system and modernised the existing grinding cycle.

New grinding components were purchased and installed, and the emulsion with abrasives was replaced. The new equipment allows working without hazardous substances.

Published July 26, 2023
Relevance
Carcinogen(s) involved:

Sector(s) involved

About this case
Country:
Germany
For more information please contact:
SUBSPORTplus Team
General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

  • The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
  • Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
  • Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.
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