Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity of Four Water-in-Oil Emulsion Hydraulic Fluids

摘要

As a part of the Submarine Damage Prevention program, four commercial water-in-oil emulsion class of compounds consists of stable emulsions of micronic or submicronic water droplets suspended in a high quality petroleum base oil. These fluids also contain special additives to give the final product lubricity, corrosion protection properties, emulsion stabilizers, and resistance to bacterial and fungal growth. The most significant exposure routes for hydraulic fluids are expected to be dermal, due to spills or leaks, and aerosol inhalation, from pressurized system leaks. THe studies conducted included eye and skin irritation, skin sensitization, oral and dermal toxicity, and aerosol inhalation. They also provided data to compare the short-term exposure effects of these various emulsions. None of the testbed compounds were toxic by the oral or dermal routes of administration. The viscous nature of these emulsions limited to aerosol concentrations which could be tested. At the maximum attainable concentrations, no deaths or toxic effects were noted in the exposed animals. All of the materials were mildly irritating to the eyes but not on the skin. One of the materials testbed had a slight potential to sensitize treated animals.