MOTOR OIL

HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT POSSIBLE EFFECTS
LEAD Causes nerve and kidney damage, suspected carcinogen
HYDROCARBONS Some forms are carcinogenic

Motor oil is a petroleum distillate product composed of 75% mineral oil, 20% oxidation inhibitors and detergents, and 5% pour depressants and viscosity improvers. Used or waste motor oil is often contaminated with lead (from gasoline), magnesium, copper, zinc, and other heavy metals which are picked up from the engine.


Used motor oil can present a threat to health through skin contact, skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion. Many of the problems associated with used motor oil are due to exposure to the heavy metals, such as lead. These health problems are cumulative, so with each exposure to used motor oil the amount of heavy metals added to the body's system increases.

Used motor oil poses a very serious threat to the environment when disposed of improperly. Just one gallon of motor oil can pollute one million gallons of water and can form an oil slick nearly 8 acres in size!

Use: Wear protective gloves.

Storage: Store away from children and sources of ignition. Place used motor oil in a labeled container with a tight-fitting lid (a plastic milk jug with a tight-fitting cap works well).

Disposal: Please follow these directions to avoid harming our environment and groundwater:

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