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Is Motor Oil Toxic?

Motor oil poses a serious health risk to animal and plant life, and the contaminants in used motor oil make this common lubricant even more hazardous. People should take care to dispose of motor oil safely to avoid introducing these toxins into the local environment.

  1. Toxins

    • Motor oil can poison many different forms of plant and animal life, including humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Boulder County lists lead, arsenic, cadmium and hydrocarbons among the toxins found in motor oil.

    Contaminants

    • In addition to its own toxic ingredients, motor oil picks up additional poisonous substances as it works to protect an engine from everyday wear and tear. According to the EPA, heavy metals, dirt and other hazardous contaminants enter the motor oil over time.

    Safe Disposal

    • Pouring old motor oil into drains or landfills not only threatens organic life but also wastes valuable recyclable resources. The EPA urges consumers to store their used motor oil in a sealed container and hand it over to the nearest disposal or recycling facility.

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