jetcareers - View Single Post - Used Aviation Oil

Stoneage · October 6th, 2007, 18:03

I wouldn't worry about the lead in the used oil. Lead is not all that toxic when compared to motor oil itself. Used motor oil has many contaminats that are more toxic than lead. Lead does not bond well with the tissues in your body and unless you are a child or severely mineral deficient it is only a minor concern. The lead is not going to leap out of the used motor oil; it is pretty much either suspended in the oil, or precipitated out of the oil (at the bottom of the barrel).

That said, avoid skin contact with used motor oil from any source.

It is poor practice to store large amounts of toxic waste and used motor oil is certainly toxic. A disposal plan would be in order. Find out where you can get rid of the used oil and if you are not asked about lead contamination do not bring it up. Aviation motor oil is such a small part of the total waste oil produced that the lead in it is not really much of an issue. The way it becomes an issue is when it is spilled, which you want to avoid.

Many auto parts stores will take used motor oil for recycling with a max of 2 to 5 gallons at a time. The county I live in has a recyling center that takes up to 5 gallons per visit. It is best to get rid of the waste oil as soon as it is produced and not let it accumulate.

-- StoneAge

October 6th, 2007, 18:03	#2
Stoneage Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon, USA Posts: 39	Re: Used Aviation Oil - Contamination I wouldn't worry about the lead in the used oil. Lead is not all that toxic when compared to motor oil itself. Used motor oil has many contaminats that are more toxic than lead. Lead does not bond well with the tissues in your body and unless you are a child or severely mineral deficient it is only a minor concern. The lead is not going to leap out of the used motor oil; it is pretty much either suspended in the oil, or precipitated out of the oil (at the bottom of the barrel). That said, avoid skin contact with used motor oil from any source. It is poor practice to store large amounts of toxic waste and used motor oil is certainly toxic. A disposal plan would be in order. Find out where you can get rid of the used oil and if you are not asked about lead contamination do not bring it up. Aviation motor oil is such a small part of the total waste oil produced that the lead in it is not really much of an issue. The way it becomes an issue is when it is spilled, which you want to avoid. Many auto parts stores will take used motor oil for recycling with a max of 2 to 5 gallons at a time. The county I live in has a recyling center that takes up to 5 gallons per visit. It is best to get rid of the waste oil as soon as it is produced and not let it accumulate. -- StoneAge