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Chemical Effects of Mineral Oil on Materials

Mineral oil is used in many products and is generally non-reactive. It is used in many forms, generally as a way to retain moisture in the form of skin care products. Mineral oil is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms in long chains.

  1. Effects at Different Temperatures and States of Matter.

    • Mineral oil does not dissolve in water and can solidify at room temperature. When heated, mineral oil can produce toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide. Mineral oil is combustible in both liquid and vapor form but only at very high temperatures. It becomes a flammable vapor at a temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit. It will continue to burn in vapor form at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

    External Effects on the Body

    • Mineral oil is most commonly used in skin care. The fact that it is non-soluble in water makes it useful in helping moisturize skin by forming a layer over the skin, preventing it from losing more water. There are many grades of mineral oil in these types of products, ranging from petroleum jelly (i.e., Vaseline) to light liquid paraffin (most often used in baby oils). Skin reactions to mineral oil are rare, but irritation can occur if a user is hypersensitive or has prolonged skin contact with untreated mineral oil. People with skin or respiratory conditions are more likely to be affected.

    Internal Effects

    • When inhaled, mineral oil can cause coughing or difficulty breathing. Extended inhalation of the vapor form can cause chemical-based aspiration. If ingested, mineral oil causes stomach irritation, including stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Prolonged ingestion of small amounts mineral oil over time can cause liver damage due to the accumulation of chemicals in the body.

    Other Effects

    • When heating small amounts of liquid, mineral oil is often used to ensure that the liquids do not evaporate. The same goes for samples of polymerase chain reactions when DNA is being denatured. The reason for this is that when the heavy molecules of mineral oil meet those of the liquids, it weighs them down so they cannot achieve the molecular speed necessary to evaporate.

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