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Motor Oil:
What is it?
Motor oil is used in the engines of vehicles, such as, cars, trucks, tractors to make sure the pistons don't rub against the metal in the engine block.
What's in it?
Motor oil is made up of many of unique chemicals that come mainly from crude oil, the same source we get gasoline from. Used oil or waste motor oil may be contaminated with magnesium, copper, zinc, and other heavy metals which are picked up from the engine.
What health and safety precautions do you need to think about with motor oil?
Oil can contain some chemicals that are suspected as causing cancer (carcinogens). If disposed of improperly, for example, if you pour it in the storm sewer or down the drain, used motor oil poses a very serious threat to the environment because it is toxic to fish and birds. When poured into water, one quart of motor oil can form an oil slick almost 9,680 square yards big. That is more than 2 football fields! Always take used oil to the recycling center, never pour it on the ground, in the storm sewer or down the drain.
What do you do if you or someone you're with has an accident with a household product?
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