For most workers, skin contact is the most likely source of exposure to chlorinated paraffins. Studies have shown that skin and eye irritation is low and that chlorinated paraffins are not absorbed significantly through the skin. There have been reports that workers exposed to metalworking lubricants may suffer from allergic reactions or skin sensitisation. There is no evidence that this effect is caused by the chlorinated paraffins in the lubricants. Animal studies, together with evidence from humans, have confirmed that chlorinated paraffins do not have the potential to be skin sensitisers.
All chlorinated paraffins have very low vapour pressure.
Under normal conditions of use, the quantity of Chlorinated Paraffin likely to be inhaled is extremely small. However, if chlorinated paraffins are heated during handling, some fuming may occur . Aerosol mists can be produced during use of metal working fluids in the engineering industry and these mists may contain a proportion of Chlorinated Paraffin. A4 Lifetime animal studies have been carried out with two grades of Chlorinated Paraffin. It has been shown that the mechanisms by which short chain chlorinated paraffins cause tumours to be formed are specific to rodents and therefore of no relevance for human health.