We caught this really great response by Steve Markus to an End User's question on another forum, so we had to link it for you. The End User's question was related to the safety and legality of using amines and metal nitrates in a vibratory finishing compound. The answer is excellent in the way Mr. Markus breaks down the advice End Users are receiving from some suppliers regarding the difference between mass finishing compounds and metalworking fluids. While compounders hate to admit it, regulation and safety go to together like love and marriage. It doesn't always work, but the intentions are usually good. The second issue deals with fragrances. What is not noted in the article, is that fragrances are basically highly volatile organic compounds - VOC's, and they can mask the scent of early biologically fouling in a system that contains gas and liquid state hazards that might otherwise be detected. Thus, while the fragrances themselves may not be harmful, their use may be, owing to what they hide.