Used oil is any degraded lubricating oil drained from machinery e.g. engines, gearboxes and hydraulic systems. It decomposes only very slowly in the environment, and it's full of toxic compounds such as poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), to name just one type. Several PAH compounds are carcinogenic and mutagenic (i.e. they stimulate genetic mutation).
Links with heart disease
Recent research on the effects of oil spills on fish shows that this kind of pollution damages fish hearts by blocking chemical pathways that regulate heart rate and rhythm.
It's likely this would have a similar effect on human hearts, and may also be why petrol exhaust fumes cause cardiac problems in humans too.
Recycle with the ROSE Foundation
Garages and DIY motor enthusiasts should be encouraged to keep used oil out of our waterways by recycling it via the ROSE (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) Foundation, a non-profit, environmentally responsible oil recycler with drop-off centres and collection points throughout the country.
Driving fuels demand
We tend to forget the link between oil use and pollution, and our own fossil fuel consumption, especially driving.
From that oil drip under your car chassis to massive tanker spills, petroleum pollution of all kinds happens because of our huge demand for the product. The less we use, the less we'll pollute.
Have your vehicle regularly serviced, fix oil leaks promptly...and skip driving it altogether whenever possible.
Got a good green tip or event to share? Email me at oroseinn@sa.24.com or post on the EnviroHealth Forum. If it's a planet-saver, we'll publish it.