Synthetic Turbine Engine Oil Health Effects

There is a difference between the health effects of unused versus used synthetic engine oil. With increased engine use, carcinogenic elements in the oil increase. This increase in toxicity accumulates in synthetic oils as they are able to be used for longer periods of time before a recommended oil change.

Inhaling

• Inhaling toxic fumes or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from unused oil is thought to cause minimal harm. Because there is increased toxicity with increased engine use, there is concern that with the extended time between oil change of 7,500 to 25,000 miles (CIWMB, 2005b) the oil will become toxic enough to cause harmful fumes when inhaled.

Ingesting

• Synthetic oils have minor effects when ingested. People can expect to experience the following symptoms if they ingest large amounts of synthetic oil: digestive irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Skin Exposure

• With excessive exposure to the skin, because of a de-fatting effect, redness, inflammation and cracking can occur. Synthetic oil causes these effects due to the metals and detergents that are added to the oil. If the oil is used, it can cause health risks to those recycling/changing the oil, as the toxins are absorbed into the skin.