Laboratory Test: Oil Mist Exposure Assessment Using NIOSH 5524 Method

Monitoring oil mist levels in industrial workplaces isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s an important part of keeping people healthy. Oil mist is commonly released when metalworking fluids are heated, sprayed, or agitated during machining. Workers who breathe in these tiny droplets day after day may experience persistent coughing, breathing discomfort, skin irritation, or—in long-term cases—more serious health concerns.

Imagine a machine shop where CNC mills run all day. When the cutting tools hit metal, a fine mist of oil rises from the coolant tank and spreads through the air. Workers may not notice it, but by the end of the shift their safety glasses have a thin oily film, their clothes smell like cutting fluid, and the air feels “hazy” near the machines. This is exactly the kind of environment where oil mist monitoring is essential.

LCS Laboratory Inc. provides dependable Oil Mist testing using the NIOSH 5524 method, simple, affordable and the industry-recognized standard for evaluating both oil mist and metal dust contamination.

Why Use the NIOSH 5524 Method?

Workplaces that use metalworking fluids—machine shops, automotive plants, maintenance facilities—often generate fume concisted of aerosolized oils and fine metal dusts. These airborne particles can travel far from the original workstation and affect anyone nearby. Our NIOSH 5524 Oil Mist analysis can tests for both components; Total Dust and Oil reported separately We provide a detailed breakdown of oil and metal content, giving you confidence in the accuracy of your air quality data.

How the Testing Works

1. Sampling Media Options. We offer sampling on 37 mm PTFE filters or 25 mm IOM samplers, and we’ll help you choose the right option depending on your workplace and local legislation. We offer free sampling media, and if you need sampling pumps or any other equpment we can rent them as well.

2. Selective Extraction and Separation. Once we receive your samples, we carefully extract the mineral oil from the filter and separate it from any collected metal dust.

3. High-Sensitivity Weighing. We measure amount of extracted oil and report the results with the sencitivity of 100 μg, ensuring accurate measurements of oil mist concentration.

Optional: Total Dust (NIOSH 0500)

For workplaces where both oil mist and metal particles are a concern, we offer Total Dust testing as an add-on service. By comparing the total dust weight to the extracted oil weight, we can estimate the metal dust fraction—helping you evaluate the full exposure risk.