ABSTRACT The purpose here was to study the effect of process parameters on breathing zone concentrations of gaseous hydrocarbons generated from an Electrical Discharge Machining process. Peak current, pulse duration, dielectric level above the spark location, and flushing pressure were the process parameters considered. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze the hydrocarbon components of gaseous emission. Peak current and pulse duration appeared the most significant. A significant fraction of emission was of reaction products of dielectric fluid that included high molecular weight hydrocarbons, branched chain hydrocarbons and other reaction products. Possible measures to control and minimize risk of exposure were outlined as well.