Kevp
Ultimate Member
- Apr 17, 2008
- 1,874
All,
I've seen that a lot of folks on this forum advocate using lubricants such as synthetic motor oil on their firearms under the auspices of saving $. I'll use Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil as an example since I've seen it mentioned frequently. What I haven't seen mentioned is the potential health risks that you may be exposing yourself to by going this route. The following are exerpts from the the Mobil 1 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Extended Performance 10W30:
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Excessive exposure may result in eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. High-pressure injection under skin may cause serious damage.
NFPA Hazard ID: Health: 0 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
HMIS Hazard ID: Health: 0 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
NOTE: This material should not be used for any other purpose than the intended use in Section 1 without expert advice. Health studies have shown that chemical exposure may cause potential human health risks which may vary from person to person.
INHALATION
Remove from further exposure. For those providing assistance, avoid exposure to yourself or others. Use adequate respiratory protection. If respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness occurs, seek immediate medical assistance. If breathing has stopped, assist ventilation with a mechanical device or use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
SKIN CONTACT
Wash contact areas with soap and water. If product is injected into or under the skin, or into any part of the body, regardless of the appearance of the wound or its size, the individual should be evaluated immediately by a physician as a surgical emergency. Even though initial symptoms from high pressure injection may be minimal or absent, early surgical treatment within the first few hours may significantly reduce the ultimate extent of injury.
EYE CONTACT
Flush thoroughly with water. If irritation occurs, get medical assistance.
INGESTION
First aid is normally not required. Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
FLAMMABILITY PROPERTIES
Flash Point [Method]: >200°C (392°F) [ASTM D-92]
Flammable Limits (Approximate volume % in air): LEL: 0.9 UEL: 7.0
Autoignition Temperature: N/D
Exposure limits/standards for materials that can be formed when handling this product: When mists/aerosols can occur the following are recommended: 5 mg/m³ - ACGIH TLV (inhalable fraction), 5 mg/m³ - OSHA PEL.
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD: When used for its intended purposes, this material is not classified as hazardous in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
The last statement is key. I just thought I'd put it out there for consideration since I know a lot of folks are using it on AR type rifles. If you are doing this, you are breathing the stuff. If you are using it with a suppressed platform, you are breathing more of it and probably getting some on your skin. Will it hurt you? I don't know, but it definitely isn't the intended purpose.
I've seen that a lot of folks on this forum advocate using lubricants such as synthetic motor oil on their firearms under the auspices of saving $. I'll use Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil as an example since I've seen it mentioned frequently. What I haven't seen mentioned is the potential health risks that you may be exposing yourself to by going this route. The following are exerpts from the the Mobil 1 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Extended Performance 10W30:
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Excessive exposure may result in eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. High-pressure injection under skin may cause serious damage.
NFPA Hazard ID: Health: 0 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
HMIS Hazard ID: Health: 0 Flammability: 1 Reactivity: 0
NOTE: This material should not be used for any other purpose than the intended use in Section 1 without expert advice. Health studies have shown that chemical exposure may cause potential human health risks which may vary from person to person.
INHALATION
Remove from further exposure. For those providing assistance, avoid exposure to yourself or others. Use adequate respiratory protection. If respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, or unconsciousness occurs, seek immediate medical assistance. If breathing has stopped, assist ventilation with a mechanical device or use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
SKIN CONTACT
Wash contact areas with soap and water. If product is injected into or under the skin, or into any part of the body, regardless of the appearance of the wound or its size, the individual should be evaluated immediately by a physician as a surgical emergency. Even though initial symptoms from high pressure injection may be minimal or absent, early surgical treatment within the first few hours may significantly reduce the ultimate extent of injury.
EYE CONTACT
Flush thoroughly with water. If irritation occurs, get medical assistance.
INGESTION
First aid is normally not required. Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
FLAMMABILITY PROPERTIES
Flash Point [Method]: >200°C (392°F) [ASTM D-92]
Flammable Limits (Approximate volume % in air): LEL: 0.9 UEL: 7.0
Autoignition Temperature: N/D
Exposure limits/standards for materials that can be formed when handling this product: When mists/aerosols can occur the following are recommended: 5 mg/m³ - ACGIH TLV (inhalable fraction), 5 mg/m³ - OSHA PEL.
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD: When used for its intended purposes, this material is not classified as hazardous in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
The last statement is key. I just thought I'd put it out there for consideration since I know a lot of folks are using it on AR type rifles. If you are doing this, you are breathing the stuff. If you are using it with a suppressed platform, you are breathing more of it and probably getting some on your skin. Will it hurt you? I don't know, but it definitely isn't the intended purpose.