I'm just curious. I've always read on bottles how used motor oil can cause cancer and is very toxic, etc... However, it ALWAYS states just USED motor oil. Does that mean that fresh motor oil isn't dangerous? I would assume if it was, they'd just say motor oil in general. Does anyone know the answer to this?

I never heard of that, interesting. But I guess I don't read that many motor oil cans. I have heard that exposer to motor oil can increase the risk of arthritis, however.

Combustion deposits and acids (and the result of their reactions and oxidations post-combustion) can create carcinogenic compounds that stay held in suspension or dissolved within the oil. Physical contact with these compounds could 'increase your chances' of getting cancer or other types of dermatitis.

The risks remain pretty low, but in these days of namby-pamby pussy-footing around even the slightest bit of risk for fear of criminal offences or litigation, you are advised to wear gloves of some sort. I don't bother. The tiny bits of used oil that get on my hands during oil changes etc are miniscule really (and only 'on' me for moments before I clean my hands with something (that'll turn out to be just as bad for us eventually anyway, like detergents).

Clean oil is clean, processed oil, and isn't really harmful at all (but don't try drinking it, or dripping molten lead in it etc).

Quote from tristancliffe :

Combustion deposits and acids (and the result of their reactions and oxidations post-combustion) can create carcinogenic compounds that stay held in suspension or dissolved within the oil. Physical contact with these compounds could 'increase your chances' of getting cancer or other types of dermatitis.

The risks remain pretty low, but in these days of namby-pamby pussy-footing around even the slightest bit of risk for fear of criminal offences or litigation, you are advised to wear gloves of some sort. I don't bother. The tiny bits of used oil that get on my hands during oil changes etc are miniscule really (and only 'on' me for moments before I clean my hands with something (that'll turn out to be just as bad for us eventually anyway, like detergents).

Clean oil is clean, processed oil, and isn't really harmful at all (but don't try drinking it, or dripping molten lead in it etc).

Good, I don't need to bother as Tristan already did say that all

Well I did a bit of testing there. Ran out to the car park, syphoned out oil from a selection of cars and did a series of taste and texture tests.

Turns out all of them taste utterly disgusting and Castrol leaves a bit of crusting around the mouth if you don't wipe it off straight away.

I rubbed each one on a different part of my body, and I have to say that other than being excellent lubricants the only side-effect seems to be the darkening of my skin. Although this does seem to be generic across the entire range, not specific to any one brand.

Yes it's a slow day at work...

In short: If Tristan dies of cancer, start wearing gloves.

Quote from Dajmin :

Well I did a bit of testing there. Ran out to the car park, syphoned out oil from a selection of cars and did a series of taste and texture tests.

Turns out all of them taste utterly disgusting and Castrol leaves a bit of crusting around the mouth if you don't wipe it off straight away.

I rubbed each one on a different part of my body, and I have to say that other than being excellent lubricants the only side-effect seems to be the darkening of my skin. Although this does seem to be generic across the entire range, not specific to any one brand.

Yes it's a slow day at work...

I have found new and used oil cause skin to turn red and more sensitive to pain, specially Mobil oils seem to be quite aggressive on this, where Castrol not so bad, must be some additive I'm bit over-sensitive at, actually reason why I work on IT instead of mechanic at garage

Quote from Stang70Fastback :

I'm just curious. I've always read on bottles how used motor oil can cause cancer and is very toxic, etc... However, it ALWAYS states just USED motor oil. Does that mean that fresh motor oil isn't dangerous? I would assume if it was, they'd just say motor oil in general. Does anyone know the answer to this?

Seeing that you from USA, and having read different weird court cases happening there I suspect to see "DO NOT DRINK MOTOR OIL WHATSOEVER" label on every motor oil can

may I advice - don't test it on yourself

Castor oil is made of castor beans/seeds. Those beans contain ricin (the nerve poison). The bean collectors have suffered some sort of health problems, but the motor oil should be free from it as it is processed such a way.

I would imagine Smoking, and second hand Smoking are far worse

Quote from lalathegreat :

I would imagine Smoking, and second hand Smoking are far worse

Basically, if I die of cancer, stop smoking.

I'll tell you something. If they die of cancer, they'll stop smoking.

Basically, if I die of cancer, stop smoking, don't dispose of asbestos by yourself and wear gloves when servicing your car.