Dangers of Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum, that is obtained after the process of fractional distillation is complete. Mineral oil is often described as a distillate of petroleum that is free-flowing and clear as water. This distillate is often used in a variety of home appliances, cosmetics, lubrication oils, skincare lotions, different types of paints and polishes, soaps and even baby care products.

Though the use of mineral oil is very widespread, it has some known side effects and also tends to develop allergies. Many of us do not know the fact that baby lotions are nothing but mineral oils in different forms, that are modified with fragrance. Though the use of mineral oil is sometimes recommended and seems very convenient, it does have some really harmful, negative side effects.

The Known Dangers of Mineral Oil

After the innovation of fractional distillation, many different by-products were derived from petroleum. Though these by-products were inflammable and had a high calorific value, they were virtually useless, until manufacturers started using them in cosmetics and home appliances. One of the biggest drawbacks of using mineral oil as a cosmetic, is that it is a foreign application or an alien coating on the human skin. Mineral oil is harmful to the skin because it tends to form a thin layer on the skin, that resembles a layer of plastic. The human skin is an organ that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin D, in the cooling down of the body temperature and in the ejection of toxins from the body. The thin plastic-like layer that appears after the use of mineral oil based lotions, drastically slows down the process of vitamin D manufacturing. When the human skin is exposed to the sunlight, it starts the production of vitamin D, which is one of the most needed ingredient of the body. The mineral oil film on the skin, prevents it from doing so. The ejection of toxins through the skin is also prevented and this is not very healthy. Sometimes as the sweating process is hampered, the human body also takes a very long time to cool down. The deposition of oil on the skin, accompanied by the salt and minerals that are present on the human skin, can cause skin itching. An itchy skin can develop into unwanted and painful skin rashes.

Some strange results have appeared in researches related to the excessive use of mineral oil. It has been discovered that the excessive use of mineral oil based lotions on the skin of infants and old people, at times causes pneumonia like conditions. It is strongly recommended that pregnant women, stop the use of mineral oil based cosmetics as well as home appliances, as even the tiny droplets that are inhaled can prove to be dangerous. This is because of a good chance of the development of pneumonia or other allergic reactions.

There are also some very rare side effects of the use of mineral oil, that include nausea, vomiting and also continuous sneezing. Though the side effects are not fatally dangerous, it is always advisable to remain cautious. Some of the less common side effects, also include the malfunctioning of the digestive system and restricted bowel movement.

So, a genuine question that still tends to remain on the back of some people's minds, is that why do manufacturers of such products use mineral oil? Simple answer, mineral oil is just a by-product and is of virtually no value to the oil refinery. Thus the manufacturers of mineral oil based products get to purchase it at very reasonable prices. The free-flowing property of the oil make it and excellent raw material in the manufacturing such products. Hence, an occasional use is good for health, but continuous use is equally unhealthy.