This study was conducted at 22 workplaces in Daegu and Gyongbuk from March to October 2013 to evaluate the level of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for workers handling a rust preventive oil. We also investigated the detailed information on the work condition using rust preventive oil such as kinds of products, handling methods, work environment, local exhaust ventilation system and the status of wearing personal protective equipment. In addition, the bulk samples of rust preventive oils were collected and analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to identify components potentially exposure to workers. Major findings were as follows,
1. We collected 32 MSDSs of rust preventive oil used in 22 workplaces. In terms of product type, most of them (28) were corrosion preventive oils solvent dilution, followed by preservative lubricating oil (3) and soluble oil (1). Most components of products were listed as composite materials in MSDS.

2. The bulk samples of 30 rust preventive oil were collected from 22 workplaces and a qualitative analysis was conducted to identify the volatile organic compounds. Toluene, o-xylene and p-xylene were found in both of MSDS and the result of a qualitative analysis. We can found carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic (CMR) substances from a qualitative analysis such as butane (carcinogenic Group 1A, mutagenic Group 1B), butoxy ethanol (carcinogenic Group 2), cumene (carcinogenic Group 2), ethyl benzene (carcinogenic Group 2), methyl isobutyl ketone (carcinogenic Group 2) and toluene (reproductive toxic,Group 2).

3. As a result of full shift based personal air sampling, 8 volatile organic substances such as n-hexane, n-heptane, octane, nonane, decane, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene were detected. n-Hexane and n-heptane were detected from all of 54 air samples with 13.13 ㎎/㎥ and 8.61 ㎎/㎥ of maximum concentration respectively. The level of airborne concentration from all of samples were bellow the occupational exposure limit of Korea.