Hazards

Environmental Hazard

• Used oil can contaminate surface water, ground water, and soils.
• Just 1 gallon of used oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water, a year's supply for 50 people.
• It can kill plants and animals.

Health Hazards

• Used oil contains toxins: heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and cadmium; naphthalene; chlorinated hydrocarbons; and other materials.
• Large amounts of lead and other heavy metals accumulate in the oil during the combustion process inside the engine.
• Lead is especially dangerous to children. It can cause permanent learning disabilities, poor motor coordination, stunted growth, and reduce intelligence.
• Some chemicals found in oil can cause cancer.