Risk from used motor oil

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K Stone - 09 Jun 2005 22:33 GMT

I am on a limited budget and do my own oil and filter changes, but I
can't seem to avoid getting used oil all over my arms (from the
filter). The oil company web sites indicate used motor oil can cause
skin cancer in animals, but the EPA says it's not hazardous... So what
gives? What are the risks to humans - like auto mechanics?

In particular, what are my risks through this skin contact once in a
while?

Thanks.

K Stone

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Steph - 10 Jun 2005 02:32 GMT

>I am on a limited budget and do my own oil and filter changes, but I
> can't seem to avoid getting used oil all over my arms (from the
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> K Stone

Assuming you wash it off afterwards, the risks are very small.

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Jeff - 10 Jun 2005 02:46 GMT

>I am on a limited budget and do my own oil and filter changes, but I
> can't seem to avoid getting used oil all over my arms (from the
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> K Stone

You can get hand cleaner that is really effective in getting it off. Go Jo
is one brand.

However, you are unlikely to suffer ill side effects if you wash it off
right afterwards and you only change the oil every few thousand miles.
(Hint: Get the new Mobil 1 oil that is good for 15,000 mi and just change
the filter every 5,000 mi and make sure the oil is full afterwards - then
you don't have to change the oil as often).

Jeff

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skousen - 10 Jun 2005 03:03 GMT

> I am on a limited budget and do my own oil and filter changes, but I
> can't seem to avoid getting used oil all over my arms (from the
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> K Stone

Very good question. The mechanics at my car dealership wash their hands
every 10 minutes or so. They told me it takes 10 minutes for the skin
to absorb the heavy metals, and there are reports out there claiming
that used motor oil causes skin cancer, testicular cancer, and lung
cancer. The skin cancer makes sense, but lung cancer may be caused by
asbestos brake pads. They're supposed to wear latex gloves to protect
their skin, but they rarely use them because they're slippery and
inconvenient. The 10-minute rule is rumored to be from GM or some
corporate health office. At any rate, there is a very good reason for
municipalities to tell people not to dump used motor oil in the ground.

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Carey Gregory - 10 Jun 2005 03:19 GMT

>The mechanics at my car dealership wash their hands
>every 10 minutes or so.

You have very unusual mechanics. Extremely unusual.

Mechanics and factory workers have been almost bathing in lubricating oils
daily for over a century now. Do you see any hideous consequences?

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Jeff - 10 Jun 2005 03:21 GMT

>>The mechanics at my car dealership wash their hands
>>every 10 minutes or so.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Mechanics and factory workers have been almost bathing in lubricating oils
> daily for over a century now. Do you see any hideous consequences?

One is decreased arthritis. Something to do with the DMSO in the oils.

Actually, a lot of mechanics have taken to using rubber gloves, just like
surgeons, except the rubber glovers are stronger than those used by
surgeons.

Jeff

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