European Hazard Classification Advice for Crude Oil–Derived Lubricant Base Oils Compared with the Proposed Mineral Oil Mist TLV®

Abstract

The notice of intended change for the threshold limit value (TLV®) for mineral oil mist contains a notation for human carcinogenicity. A description is provided of the current European regulatory approach used to distinguish between carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic mineral base oils on the basis of oil refining process and chemical marker information. This approach has proven effective in creating a market situation in the countries of the European Union where many customers require severely refined, non-carcinogenic oils.

It is recommended that ACGIH® consolidate the distinction between poorly and severely refined base oils in the recommended TLV for mineral oil mist and use different toxicological considerations to derive exposure control guidelines.

Keywords:

• Oil Mist
• Threshold Limit Value
• TLV
• Carcinogenicity
• Hazard Classification