Lubricating Oil Basestocks: Product Dossier No. 97/108

product dossier no.
97/108
lubricating oil
basestocks
Prepared by CONCAWE’s Petroleum Products and Health Management Groups
Reproduction permitted with due acknowledgement
 CONCAWE
Brussels
June 1997
I
product dossier no. 97/108
ABSTRACT
This dossier summarizes the health, safety and environment data currently available
on lubricating oil basestocks derived from the refining of petroleum.
KEYWORDS
Review, mineral oil, base oil, lubricant, toxicity, ecotoxicity, health.
NOTE
Considerable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy and reliability of the
information contained in this publication. However, neither CONCAWE nor any
company participating in CONCAWE can accept liability for any loss, damage or
injury whatsoever resulting from the use of this information.
This report does not necessarily represent the views of any company participating in
CONCAWE.
II
CONTENTS
PREFACE V
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 2
2.1. LUBRICATING OIL BASESTOCKS 2

2.2. FORMULATED LUBRICANTS AND ADDITIVES 3
3. TYPICAL PROPERTIES 4
4. TOXICITY 5
4.1. ACUTE TOXICITY 5

4.1.1. Oral, skin and inhalation 6
4.1.2. Skin and eye irritation 6
4.1.3. Skin sensitisation 6
4.2. SUB-ACUTE/SUB-CHRONIC TOXICITY 6
4.2.1. Oral 6
4.2.2. Skin 7
4.2.3. Inhalation 7
4.3. CARCINOGENICITY 9
4.3.1. Oral 9
4.3.2. Skin 9
4.3.3. Inhalation 9
4.3.4. Other 10
4.4. GENOTOXICITY 10
4.5. DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY 11
5. HEALTH ASPECTS 12
5.1. HUMAN EXPERIENCE 12

5.2. INHALATION 13
5.3. INGESTION 13
5.4. ASPIRATION 14
5.5. SKIN CONTACT 14
5.6. EYE CONTACT 14
5.7. INJECTION 14
6. EXPOSURE LIMITS 15
7. HANDLING ADVICE 16
III
8. EMERGENCY TREATMENT 17
8.1. INHALATION 17
8.2. INGESTION 17
8.3. ASPIRATION 17
8.4. SKIN CONTACT 17
8.5. EYE CONTACT 17
8.6. INJECTION 17
9. DISPOSAL 18
10. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 19
11. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 20
11.1. PERSISTENCE AND BIODEGRADATION 20

11.2. BIOACCUMULATION 22
11.3. ECOTOXICITY 23
12. REFERENCES 27
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: UNREFINED OR MILDLY REFINED BASE OILS 35
APPENDIX 2: HIGHLY REFINED BASE OILS 38
APPENDIX 3: OTHER BASE OILS 39
IV
PREFACE
This product dossier is one in a series of 11 on the following major groups of

petroleum products:
− Liquefied petroleum gas
− Gasolines
− Kerosines/jet fuels
− Gas oils (diesel fuels/heating oils)
− Heavy fuel oils
− Lubricating oil basestocks
− Aromatic extracts
− Waxes and petrolatum
− Bitumens and bitumen derivatives
− Petroleum coke
− Crude oil
These product dossiers are being prepared by CONCAWE to provide, for each
major product group, comprehensive information covering :
− Product description, uses and typical properties
− Toxicology, health aspects and fire, explosion and environmental

hazards
− Recommended exposure limits
− Advice on handling, emergency treatment and disposal
− Entries in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical

Substances (EINECS) which covers these groups
V
1. INTRODUCTION
Lubricating oil basestocks are the primary components for various types of marketed
lubricants including engine oils, automotive transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear
oils, metalworking oils, medicinal white oils and greases.
The general term lubricating oil basestocks covers a number of different types of
material including vegetable oils, synthetic oils, mineral oils and re-refined oils. This
dossier only covers mineral oils which are produced from the distillation of crude oil.
In this process, the residue from atmospheric distillation of crude oil is further
distilled under vacuum conditions to produce a range of vacuum distillates. Solvent
extraction and/or hydrofining are then used to increase the viscosity index, enhance
the colour and convert undesirable chemical structures such as unsaturated
hydrocarbons and aromatics to less chemically reactive species. Finally, solvent
dewaxing is used to reduce the wax content of the base oils so as to prevent wax
crystals forming within the normal working temperature range of the lubricant.
Historically, the refining process has included treatment with sulphuric acid and
special earths, but this process has been largely superseded.
Higher viscosity grades of lubricating oil basestocks are produced by solvent

deasphalting of the vacuum residue with liquid propane. The liquid propane
precipitates the resins and the asphaltenes to produce a deasphalted residual oil.
This is then further treated by solvent extraction and/or hydrogenation to reduce the
aromatics content. Residual oils are commonly used in the heavier grades of
lubricant, for example, marine diesel engine oils and heavy gear oils.
The purpose of this dossier is to collate the available health, safety and
environmental data on the range of lubricating oil basestocks produced from crude
oils.
1
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
2.1. LUBRICATING OIL BASESTOCKS
Lubricating oil basestocks consist predominantly of hydrocarbons but also contain

some sulphur and nitrogen compounds with traces of a number of metals. The
hydrocarbons are complex and base oils contain variable mixtures of paraffins,
naphthenes (cycloparaffins), and aromatics having carbon numbers ranging from
about 15 to 50. Components (or constituent hydrocarbons) of oils produced from
vacuum distillates have boiling points ranging from about 300 to 600°C, whereas
those produced from vacuum residues may contain components boiling as high as
800°C.
Lubricating oil basestocks are usually described as naphthenic or paraffinic

depending on the dominant hydrocarbon types present. With the simpler refining
techniques, the composition of the finished base oils reflects that of the crude from
which they are derived, whereas after severe refining, the variations due to crude
source tend to be less apparent.
Lubricant basestocks are defined as either light or heavy according to their kinematic
2
viscosities at 40°C. Those having viscosities above 19 mm /s at 40°C are described
as heavy and those below as light.
The proportions of different hydrocarbon components determine the characteristics

of the base oils. Viscosity is increased by the presence of higher molecular weight
compounds. Oils containing predominantly aromatic and naphthenic hydrocarbons
have a low viscosity index (LVI) indicating a comparatively rapid change of viscosity
with temperature. Oils predominantly paraffinic in character have high viscosity
indices (HVI) and change in viscosity less rapidly with temperature. Medium viscosity
index (MVI) oils are intermediate in hydrocarbon type and may be obtained from
either naphthenic or paraffinic crudes. In addition to the effect on viscosity index,
hydrocarbon type also influences other physical and chemical properties of base oils.
For example, LVI oils tend to be better solvents for some additives but have
relatively poor chemical stability, whilst HVI oils are usually more chemically stable
during use.
All crude oils contain polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). Some of these,
particularly the 4-6 condensed ring compounds, are known to be carcinogenic. The
content of PACs in base oils is determined mainly by the severity of the refining
process which they have undergone. Mild processing such as acid/earth treatment
reduces the total aromatic content slightly but does not significantly reduce the PAC
content. Mild hydrotreatment, used to enhance oil colour, may, in some instances,
reduce PAC content but has little effect on total aromatics. Severe solvent extraction
or hydrotreatment reduces both PAC and total aromatic content substantially.
Sufficiently severe treatment with oleum or hydrogen can remove aromatic
components, including PACs, almost entirely to produce white oils of medicinal
quality.
2
The definitions for the lubricating oil basestocks included in EINECS are given in
Appendices 1-3. The oils included in the appendices have been grouped as follows:
− Unrefined and mildly refined base oils (Appendix 1)

− Highly refined base oils (Appendix 2)
− Other lubricant base oils (Appendix 3).
The grouping of these oils was developed in the context of their carcinogenicity
hazard classification. The first group comprises oils which, due to their mild refining
production processes are all considered to be carcinogenic, whilst those in the
second group are so highly refined that they are not carcinogenic. The
carcinogenicity of the oils in the third group depends on the severity of the refining
processes used in their production (see section 4.3.2).
2.2. FORMULATED LUBRICANTS AND ADDITIVES
This dossier will not consider formulated lubricants or greases (basestocks

containing a wide range of performance additives), since the hazards that these
products pose may vary. General information on the types of additives used is
included in the CONCAWE report on the “Health aspects of lubricants” (CONCAWE,
1987).
3
3. TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Because of the diversity of types of lubricating oil basestocks available, it is only

feasible to indicate a range of typical properties. Specifications for lubricating oils
normally cover such properties as density, kinematic viscosity (mm2/s) at 40 and
100°C, viscosity index, pour point and flash point. At ambient temperatures, almost
all lubricating base stocks are liquid with negligible vapour pressures
The properties of some lubricating oil base stocks are summarised in Table 1.
Table 1: Physico-chemical properties for selected lubricating oil basestocks
Base oil description Kinematic viscosity * Flash Pour Density Average

at 40°C at 100°C Point Point (kg/l) Molecular
2 2
(mm /s) (mm /s) (°C) (°C) Weight
ASTM ASTM ASTM ASTM ISO ASTM
D445 D445 D93 D97 12185 D2502
Distillate oils
Solvent-dewaxed, light paraffinic 8.4 2.4 157 -18 0.85 280

(64742-56-9)
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy paraffinic 25.1 4.8 204 -12 0.86 390
(64742-65-0)
Hydrotreated, light paraffinic 17.0 3.7 190 -18 0.86 360
(64742-55-8)
Hydrotreated, heavy paraffinic 73.9 9.1 232 -9 0.88 500
(64742-54-7)
Hydrotreated, light naphthenic 8.5 2.2 145 -60 0.87 290
(64742-53-6)
Hydrotreated, heavy naphthenic 145 10.5 220 -24 0.91 440
(64742-52-5)
Residual oils
Solvent-dewaxed 1300 50 285 -6 0.95 700

(64742-62-7)
White Oils
White mineral oil 27.3 5.0 217 -15 0.86 400
(8042-47-5)
* Kinematic viscosity is often expressed in Centistokes (cSt). It should be noted that throughout this
2 2
dossier the units for kinematic are mm /second (1 mm /s = 1 cSt).
4
4. TOXICITY
4.1. ACUTE TOXICITY
Acute toxicity data on lubricating oil basestocks are summarised in Table 2.
The references cited identify the original data. It should be noted that summaries of
some of these data have also been published elsewhere and the overall conclusions
have been the same as those given in this review (Beck et al, 1984; Kane et al,
1984).
Table 2: Summary of data on acute systemic toxicity, skin and eye irritation and skin
sensitisation for lubricating oil basestocks
Material Oral Dermal Inhaln LC50 Skin 1 Eye 1 Skin 2 Reference

LD50 LD50 (mg/l) Irritation Irritation Sensitizatio
(g/kg) (g/kg) n
Paraffinic distillates
Unrefined, API 84-01 >5 >2 Moderate Slight Non API, 1986c
Solvent dewaxed, light
API 78-9 >5 >5 Slight Non Non API, 1982e
Solvent dewaxed, heavy
API 78-10 >5 >5 Non Non Non API, 1982f
API 79-3 >5 >5 Non Non Non API, 1982c
API 79-4 >5 >5 Non Non Non API, 1982b
API 79-5 >5 >5 Non Non Non API, 1982d
Solvent extracted, >4 Whitman et al, 1989
dewaxed
Solvent extracted,
dewaxed hydrotreated >4 Whitman et al, 1989
Solvent dewaxed, light >4 Whitman et al, 1989
Naphthenic distillates
Solvents refined, light
API 78-5 >5 >5 Slight Non Non API, 1982g
Solvent refined, heavy
API 79-1 >5 >5 Slight Non Non API, 1982a
Hydrotreated light
API 83-12 >5 >2 Irritant Slight Non 33-30592 (API, 1986)
API 83-12 2.18 34-32775 (API, 1987)
Hydrotreated, heavy
API 83-15 >5 >2 Slight Slight Non 33-32639 (API, 1986)
Other mineral oils
White mineral oil
Tufflo 6056 >5 API, 1992
White mineral oil Slight Hoekstra & Phillips, 1963
Paraffin oil Non Carpenter & Smyth, 1946
A space in the table indicates that the data have not been determined
1. Skin and eye irritation described as either slight, moderate or non irritating
2. Skin sensitisation indicated as non-sensitising
5
4.1.1. Oral, skin and inhalation
Irrespective of the crude source or refining history, the oral and dermal LD50 values
for the lubricating oil basestocks were greater than the highest doses that had been
administered. The inhalation studies were conducted using aerosols of the test
materials and with the exception of a low viscosity naphthenic oil with an inhalation
LC50 of 2.18 mg/l, the other oils (3 samples) tested had LC50 values in excess of
4 mg/l.
4.1.2. Skin and eye irritation
Except for an unrefined oil and a hydrotreated light naphthenic distillate, none of the
other oils tested were more than slightly irritating to the skin in a 24 hour closed
patch test. The unrefined oil was moderately irritating and the low viscosity
hydrotreated light naphthenic oil was irritant in a 24 hour closed patch test. In
another study (Trimmer et al, 1989), six highly refined paraffinic base oils were found
to range from minimal to slightly irritating. In a further study six naphthenic
basestocks were also found to range from non to slightly irritating in a 4 hour
occluded patch test in rabbits (Jones, 1984).
Selected mineral oils, mineral oil fractions and individual hydrocarbons were applied
to shaved guinea pigs on days 1, 3, 5 & 7. The volume applied varied somewhat, but
usually was 0.6 ml/application. The area of the skin exposed to the test material was
not measured, or controlled. The skin was evaluated for erythema, thickening,
hyperkeratinisation, desquamation and fissure formation every other day. Mineral
oils, mineral oil fractions and individual hydrocarbons with boiling points above
350°C caused only minor irritation (Trimmer at al, 1989).
Apart from two oils which caused slight eye irritation, no other tests resulted in
irritation of the eyes following instillation of lubricating oil basestocks (Table 2).
4.1.3. Skin sensitisation
None of the oils tested has been shown to be a skin sensitiser in guinea pigs using a
Beuhler test.
4.2. SUB-ACUTE/SUB-CHRONIC TOXICITY
4.2.1. Oral
Studies have only been carried out on food and medicinal grade mineral oils (white
oils). Findings from these studies have been reviewed by Smith et al (1995). In
summary, Beagle dogs and Long Evans rats were fed four highly refined mineral oils
at concentrations of 300 and 1500 ppm (w/w) for 90 days. No toxicological effects
were noted.
Sub-chronic feeding studies in Fischer 344 rats produced unexpected findings

(Baldwin et al, 1992; Smith et al, 1995). Animals were exposed to white oils of
different viscosities, crude type, and refining history at concentrations in the diet
ranging from 20 to 20,000 ppm. Effects were noted in the liver and mesenteric lymph
nodes including increased organ weight, microscopic inflammatory changes, and
evidence of the accumulation of saturated mineral hydrocarbons in the tissues.
Female animals were more sensitive than male animals. Low viscosity oils (13 - 15
6
mm2/s at 40°C) produced the greatest effects with lesser effects noted with the
intermediate viscosity oils (~70 mm2/s at 40°C) and no effect noted in high viscosity
oils (~100 mm2/s at 40°C). The biological effects seemed to be related to the
molecular size of the hydrocarbon rather than petroleum crude type or method of
refining (CONCAWE, 1993). Studies are ongoing to elucidate the mechanism for the
strain differences to determine the relevance of these findings.
4.2.2. Skin
The data from subacute dermal studies reported for lubricating oil basestocks are
summarised in Table 3. The studies have been carried out in New Zealand white
rabbits for up to 28 days. In most cases dosing was for 3 days per week and dose
levels ranged from 200 mg/kg up to 5 g/kg.
The only consistent finding has been slight skin irritation for many of the oils tested.
Systemic effects have rarely been observed. The only oil which caused systemic
effects was a hydrotreated, heavy naphthenic distillate (API 83-15) which caused
increases in the activities of certain liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) in the rabbits
treated at dose levels of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. Additionally, body weights were
decreased in the 2000 mg/kg animals and this was also associated with a subacute
hepatitis. In the females at this dose level there was also an increase in relative liver
weight (API, 1987a).
Several solvent-refined lubricant base oils were applied to the shaved skin of rats 5
days/week for 13 weeks at dose levels up to 2000 mg/kg. No significant irritation of
skin or effects on body weight gain, haematology, serum chemistry, organ weights,
or histology were seen (Cox and Cruzan, 1986).
4.2.3. Inhalation
Rats were exposed to an aerosol of one of two solvent-extracted paraffinic oils (8

and 34 mm2/s at 40°C) for 9 days (5 days exposure, 2 days rest, 4 days exposure) at
3
concentrations of 50, 500 or 1500 mg/m . Alterations in food consumption, body and
organ weights, dermal irritation and clinical signs of CNS depression were observed
3
at 500 and 1500 mg/m . Microscopic evidence of inflammation and irritation in
pulmonary tissue was observed only at the highest level (Whitman, 1989).
3
Rats were exposed to aerosol concentrations of 50, 210 or 1000 mg/m of a solvent-
extracted 100 SUS oil, a hydrotreated and acid washed white oil, or a severely
hydrocracked and hydrotreated oil for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Body
weights and clinical signs were not affected by treatment. Both the wet lung weight
and the dry/wet lung weight ratio increased with concentration. Associated with the
increased lung weights were accumulations of foamy alveolar macrophages (Dalbey
et al, 1991).
7
Table 3: Summary of subacute dermal studies on lubricating oil basestocks
Material Species Duration Dose Effect on skin Systemic effects Reference

(mg/kg)
Parafinic Distillates 2000 Moderate irritation Marginal bodyweight decrease
NZW 28 days proliferative changes
Unrefined API 84-01 rabbit 3/wk 1000 Slight irritation None observed API, 1986d
200 Minimal irritation None observed
Solvent dewaxed, light NZW 21 days Acanthosis, parakeratosis None observed API, 1982e
API 78-9 4h/day 5000 Chronic dermal inflammation
3 days/wk
Solvent dewaxed, heavy NZW " 5000 Acanthosis, parakeratosis None observed API, 1982f
API 78-10 Chronic dermal inflammation
79-3 NZW " 5000 None None observed API, 1982c
79-4 NZW " 5000 None None observed API, 1982b
79-5 NZW " 5000 None None observed API, 1982d
Naphthenic distillates NZW " Acanthosis, parakeratosis None observed API, 1982g
Solvent refined light API 78-5 5000 Chronic dermal inflammation
Solvent refined heavy API 79-1 NZW " 5000 None None observed API, 1982a
Hydrotreated light API 83-12 NZW 28 days 2000 Moderate irritation Reduced testis weight
3 doses/wk
1000 Males: slight irritation None observed API, 1986a
Females moderate irritation
Hydrotreated heavy API 83-15 NZW 28 days 2000 Slight irritation Elevated SGOT & SGPT. Decreased body
3 doses/wk hyperplasia weight. Subacute hepatitis. Increased
relative liver weight in females
1000 Slight irritation Elevated SGOT and SGPT API, 1987a
5 paraffinic base oils NZW 28 days 1000 Minor irritation None observed Trimmer et al,
5 days/wk 1989
8
Carcinogenicity
4.2.4. Oral
No data have been published on the carcinogenicity of lubricating oil base stocks by
the oral route. However limited data are available from an oral carcinogenicity study
with a sample of liquid paraffin. The 70 mm2/s (at 40°C) viscosity liquid paraffin
sample was not carcinogenic in either male or female F 344 rats when administered
in the diet for two years at concentrations of 2.5 and 5%wt (Takahashi, 1996).
4.2.5. Skin
Numerous lifetime skin painting studies have been carried out in mice, and many of
them have been summarised and reviewed elsewhere (IARC, 1984; Bingham et al,
1980; Kane et al, 1984). In addition, hitherto unpublished data have been collected
from individual companies and summarised (CONCAWE, 1994). For details of the
studies which have been carried out and the results obtained, reference should be
made to the papers cited above.
An extremely large database now exists and the following general conclusions can
be drawn.
• Unrefined or poorly refined base oils are carcinogenic (IARC, 1984;

CONCAWE, 1994)
• The 4-6 ring condensed polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are generally
regarded as the components of base oils responsible for carcinogenic activity
(Bingham et al, 1980; MRC, 1968)
• Refining techniques which reduce the PAC content of base oils result in less
carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic products (Halder et al, 1984; Doak et al,
1985; Gradiski et al, 1983; McKee et al, 1989).
Many authors have described the oils that they have tested as having undergone
"poor", "mild" or "severe" refining but it has proven difficult to define precisely the
meaning of these terms. For this reason, there has been considerable effort to
develop analytical or other techniques (other than long-term skin painting studies)
which could be used to distinguish between oils which may be carcinogenic from
those which are non-carcinogenic. There are considerable data relating
carcinogenicity to measurements by the DMSO extraction technique using method
IP 346 (CONCAWE, 1994; IP, 1993). This measurement has been adopted by the
EU as a criterion for the classification of base oils for carcinogenicity (EU, 1994;
CONCAWE, 1995).
4.2.6. Inhalation
In their 1986 review of the health aspects of worker exposure to oil mists,
CONCAWE noted that the limited range of materials investigated showed low
chronic toxicity. In addition, no carcinogenic effects had been reported in any of the
animal species studied. Accumulation of oil in the lungs with lipoid granuloma
formation resulted from repeated and prolonged exposure to relatively high levels of
3
oil mist, ie., approximately 100 mg/m (CONCAWE, 1986).
9
Compared with other species, primates may accumulate greater quantities of oil in
the lungs, and repeated and prolonged exposure to high levels of oil mist may
enhance an existing tendency to develop infective pneumonia. However, long term
exposures at lower oil mist concentrations more similar to actual workplace levels
have, in general, not caused adverse effects (CONCAWE, 1986).
4.2.7. Other
IARC summarised studies of the carcinogenic effects of mineral oils administered

either subcutaneously or intraperitoneally (IARC, 1984). It was noted that
subcutaneous administration of a single 1 ml dose of liquid paraffin was not
associated with tumour formation over the follow-up period until death.
It was also noted that the intraperitoneal administration of liquid paraffin was
associated with the occurrence of plasma cell tumours, probably arising from the
mesenteric oil granulomas that had formed. Such findings are not considered
relevant to hazard evaluation.
4.3. GENOTOXICITY
Although some early studies of the mutagenicity of mineral base oils found some
relatively potent dermal carcinogens to be inactive, unrefined oils were subsequently
found to be mutagenic using a modified Ames assay (Blackburn et al, 1984). Highly
refined oils have not been found to be mutagenic (McKee & Przygoda, 1987;
Blackburn et al, 1984). The level of mutagenic activity has been shown to be a
reflection of PAC content (Roy et al, 1988).
A range of solvent extracted paraffinic and naphthenic base oils was tested in
mouse lymphoma and bone marrow cytogenetics assays (Conaway et al, 1984). All
seven samples were inactive in the mouse lymphoma and all but one were inactive
in the cytogenetics tests. The clastogenic result with a 72 mm2/s viscosity oil (at
40°C) was inexplicable as similar oils of lower and higher viscosities were inactive.
In another study, solvent extracted paraffinic oils were inactive in mouse lymphoma,
in vitro transformation (McKee & Przygodas, 1987) and micronucleus assays
(McKee et al, 1990).
In their 1987 re-evaluation of mineral oils, IARC reported that "two insulation oils
from highly refined mineral base oils induced morphological transformation in Syrian
hamster embryo cells and showed promoting activity in the C3H 1OT1/2 mouse
embryo fibroblast test" (IARC, 1987). However, examination of the original reference
(Aarsaether et al, 1987) indicates that the oils had been misclassified; they had only
been mildly hydrotreated and not highly refined.
In summary, the preponderance of data indicate that highly refined mineral oils are
not mutagenic either in vitro or in vivo; whilst less well refined base oils show
mutagenic activity in some test systems.
10
4.4. DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY
No abnormal development was observed in the offspring of rats dermally exposed to

3 lubricating oil basestocks on days 0-19 of gestation at levels up to 2000 mg/kg/day
(Mobil unpublished data).
When used as a vehicle control, gavage administration of 5 ml/kg/day of a highly

refined white oil (CAS 8012-95-1) on days 6-19 of gestation did not produce any
evidence of teratogenicity (McKee et al, 1987a). This same white oil was
administered by gavage (also as a control) at 5 ml/kg/day for thirteen weeks, after
which treated males and females were allowed to breed. The number, weight and
survival of offspring were normal (McKee et al, 1987b).
11
5. HEALTH ASPECTS
Very few human data are available on the effect of lubricating oil basestocks. There
is, however a large amount of information on the effects of formulated lubricants in
man. Information given in this section on health effects relates largely to information
from exposure to formulated products.
Provided that excessive skin contact and exposure to high concentrations of oil mist
are avoided, lubricating oils do not present any significant health risks. Activities in
which appreciable exposure is possible, particularly if suitable precautions are
neglected, include metalworking, the maintenance and repair of engines and other
equipment, and the handling of used oils. Manufacture of mineral base oils and
formulated products is usually carried out in closed systems and significant
exposures do not normally occur under these circumstances.
5.1. HUMAN EXPERIENCE
In an Environmental Health Criteria document on "Selected Petroleum Products",

(IPCS/WHO, 1982) the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS)
reviewed epidemiological and other data on occupational exposure to mineral oil
based products. This document notes that the medical literature contains many
references to skin disorders, particularly with metalworking oils. The most common
form of disorder is some form of dermatitis which may be preceded by defatting of
the skin and intensified by mechanical irritation with breaks in the skin (from
contaminants such as fine metal chips) also possibly playing a role. Oil acne and
folliculitis, initiated by plugging of hair follicles and pores of the skin, followed by
comedones, pimples, and pustules, have been associated with excessive exposure
to higher viscosity oils. IPCS noted that poor personal hygiene is the main cause of
this condition. Chloracne has been associated with the use of chlorinated
naphthalenes as performance additives, which have since been discontinued as
cutting oil additives for this reason.
Skin cancer, particularly of the scrotum, has been associated with excessive
exposure to poorly- or unrefined mineral oils together with poor personal hygiene
practices. In their reviews of epidemiological literature, (IARC, 1973; IARC, 1984) the
International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) noted:
− Between 1950 and 1967, 187 cases of scrotal cancer occurred in the
Birmingham region of England. At least two-thirds of these cases could be
attributed to exposure to cutting oils.
− Between 1955 and 1970, there were at least 60 cases of scrotal cancer and
many cases of skin cancer in the Savoy Alps in France among bar automatic
machine workers who were in contact with undiluted cutting oil.
− A 1985 report showed that among 682 metal turners exposed to mineral oils for
more than 5 years, five cases of squamous cell carcinoma (four of the scrotum)
occurred although the expected occurrence was virtually zero.
− Exposure to mineral oils was likely to have occurred in 62% of 344 cases of
scrotal cancer occurring between 1936 and 1976.
Other studies have confirmed an association between skin cancer and exposure to
unrefined or mildly treated mineral base oil products. However, as noted by IPCS in
12
their criteria document, evaluators of such studies must keep in mind that because
of the long latency period of carcinogenic effects, reported findings may reflect
exposure and hygiene conditions of 20 to 30 years ago. Any increased risks
observed in these studies may not be relevant to evaluating health risks associated
with most recent exposures because: (1) industrial hygiene practices of today are
more stringent than in earlier time periods, and (2) oils used in the workplace today
are mostly highly refined oils, thereby reducing the level of PACs present in the oils.
(IARC, 1984) In fact, in many of these studies, human exposure was to oil derived
from shale and coal and not to mineral oils. These studies are of limited relevance in
assessing the hazards of mineral oils.
In a review of the health aspects of worker exposure to oil mists (CONCAWE, 1986),
it was concluded that available studies have identified adverse health effects only
3
where exposures greatly exceed atmospheric concentrations of 5 mg/m .
Respiratory problems such as chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have
not been reasonably substantiated except where exposure to oil mist has been
massive. There was no evidence of respiratory tract irritation at exposures with
satisfactory workplace hygiene conditions. IPCS also concluded that when oils with
3
low content of PACs are used and the TLV (5 mg/m ) is not exceeded, pulmonary
disease is unlikely to arise.
5.2. INHALATION
Most lubricating oils are insufficiently volatile to present a vapour inhalation hazard
under normal operating conditions. For example, the saturated vapour concentration
for a typical lubricating oil basestock has been calculated to be about 0.015 ppm at
20°C (Sanderson and Eyres, 1980). Even the saturated vapour concentration of 1.4
ppm (calculated to occur at 100°C) is unlikely to give rise to adverse health effects.
However, decomposition of lubricants at high temperatures may result in fumes
which could cause irritation of the respiratory tract.
High concentrations of oil mist, generated mechanically by fast moving machinery or

by condensation of vapour, may lead to symptoms of pulmonary irritation. Prolonged
or repeated inhalation of high concentrations of oil mists may lead to a benign form
of pulmonary fibrosis. It is believed that similar exposure to oils with carcinogenic
potential may possibly lead to cancer of the respiratory tract or the upper
gastrointestinal tract as a consequence of ingestion. Such oils are, therefore, not
used for the formulation of lubricants where there is a possibility of significant
inhalation exposure.
5.3. INGESTION
Ingestion is an unlikely event with lubricant basestocks except in the case of the
highly refined medicinal white oils.
Ingestion of low viscosity formulated lubricant products can produce irritation of the
mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract; vomiting, with its consequent risk of
aspiration, commonly occurs. Although oral toxicity of formulated lubricants is
generally low, there is a potential danger with children when, for example, low
viscosity oils are incorrectly stored in the home in containers such as soft drink
bottles.
13
5.4. ASPIRATION
There is little risk of aspiration of liquid into lungs with most lubricating oils,
particularly those with viscosities greater than about 15 mm2/s at 40°C. However, oils
with a low viscosity (below about 7 mm2/s at 40°C) do present a significant hazard.
Aspiration of these oils, either directly or as a result of vomiting following ingestion,
could give rise to rapidly developing and potentially fatal chemical pneumonitis.
5.5. SKIN CONTACT
Short-term occasional skin contact with lubricating oil basestocks is unlikely to cause
any problems. With excessive, repeated, or prolonged exposure, particularly under
conditions of poor personal hygiene, effects such as dry skin, erythema, dermatitis,
oil acne and folliculitis may result. Such contact with products containing mineral
base oils which have not been severely refined may also lead to the development of
warty growths which may ultimately become skin cancers.
5.6. EYE CONTACT
Most lubricating base oils cause no more than transient slight irritation to the eyes.
5.7. INJECTION
A potentially serious hazard when formulated lubricating oils are used in high
pressure systems is the possibility, for example as a result of pin hole leaks on
pipework etc., for injection of oil through the skin. This may cause considerable
damage to the underlying tissues which can occur regardless of the formulation
ingredients (See Section 8.6).
14
6. EXPOSURE LIMITS
Lubricating oil basestocks are of low volatility, and as a result, exposure to significant
concentrations of vapour is unlikely. No vapour exposure limits have been
established.
Most European countries have followed the American Conference of Governmental

Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 8 hour TLV-TWA (Threshold Limit Value-Time
3
Weighted Average) of 5 mg/m for oil mists with a 15 minute short term exposure
3
limit of 10 mg/m (ACGIH, 1996). Some countries have introduced lower limits.
3
Sweden, for example, has established an 8 hour limit value of 3 mg/m with a short
3
term limit of 5 mg/m (Arbetarskyddsstyresens Författningssamling, 1993).
The ACGIH documentation (ACGIH, 1991) indicates that these limits apply to oil
mist, but do not apply to vapour. Furthermore, they only apply when there has been
no substantial altering of the composition by heat and/or oxidation. They have been
set mainly on the basis of preventing subjective complaints of discomfort and they
do not apply to lubricants containing significant levels of more hazardous
components or additives. However, the ACGIH TLVs for oil mist are currently under
review (1997).
In a review of the health aspects of worker exposure to oil mists (CONCAWE, 1986)
it was concluded that:
− A single exposure limit is not applicable to all types of oil mists;
−
3
The ACGIH TLV of 5 mg/m provides an adequate margin of safety for a broad
range of oils recognized as non-carcinogenic and containing additives which, by
virtue of their nature or limited concentrations, are of no significant toxicological
concern;
−
3
The ACGIH TLV of 5 mg/m may not be applicable to products containing
lighter oils, oils containing additives or oils used as emulsions;
− A lower exposure limit would be required for products containing potentially

carcinogenic oils;
− In accordance with the principles of good industrial hygiene practice, exposures

to oil mist should be reduced to the lowest reasonably achievable levels.
15
7. HANDLING ADVICE
With reasonable handling and precautions to minimise contact, formulated

lubricating oils present minimal risks. The main potential contact areas are from
exposures of skin and eyes. Some uses also create oil mist, and in these situations,
attention needs to be given to minimizing its formation, to containment, and to
removal by mechanical ventilation. Measurement of exposure to oil mist may be
needed to ensure that established limits are not exceeded; guidelines on exposure
measurement have been published previously (CONCAWE, 1981). Detailed
recommendations on safe handling have been provided by CONCAWE in its report
on Health Aspects of Lubricants (CONCAWE, 1987). The most important points are:
− selection of suitable products and/or personal protection where there would

otherwise be significant skin contact;
− provision of hazard and safe handling information plus training on containment

and/or capture systems, personal hygiene, work methods and personal
protective equipment;
− minimisation of exposures through correct oil selection and application, work

procedures, equipment, and oil maintenance practices, including the avoidance
of excessive use of biocides.
− selection of suitable personal protective equipment and control of its use;
− management and supervision of the control measures to ensure that they are
used;
− establishment of appropriate medical and hygiene monitoring programmes,

where necessary, to provide assurance that controls are effective.
16
8. EMERGENCY TREATMENT
The first aid emergency treatment for a casualty who has been over-exposed to
lubricating oil has been summarised elsewhere (CONCAWE, 1997). It is as given
below.
8.1. INHALATION
In case of exposure remove the casualty to fresh air and if recovery is not
immediate, obtain medical advice.
8.2. INGESTION
In the case of ingestion do not induce vomiting but obtain medical attention
immediately.
8.3. ASPIRATION
If there is any suspicion of aspiration into the lungs either directly or as a result of
vomiting, obtain medical advice.
8.4. SKIN CONTACT
Clothing heavily contaminated with lubricating oils or fluids should be removed as

soon as practicable and the affected parts of the body washed thoroughly with soap
and water. Kerosine or gasoline should never be used for cleaning the skin.
Some industrial oils may be used at very high temperatures and severe burns can
result in the event of an accident.
8.5. EYE CONTACT
If the eyes are affected, irrigate them immediately with copious amounts of water. If
irritation occurs and persists, obtain medical advice.
8.6. INJECTION
When using high pressure equipment, injection under the skin can occur. If this has
happened the casualty should be sent immediately to a hospital. Even when there
are few or no symptoms, do not hesitate to refer to a hospital.
17
9. DISPOSAL
Formulated lubricants and used oils are outside the scope of this report. However,
for information on this issue, the subject of collection, regeneration and disposal of
waste oils has been recently reviewed (CONCAWE, 1996a).
18
10. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
The majority of lubricating oil basestocks have high flash points and are of low
volatility; therefore, fire and explosion hazards are minimal. This may not be the case
when lower boiling components in formulated lubricants may be included, for
example two stroke engine oils diluted with kerosine.
19
11. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
11.1. PERSISTENCE AND BIODEGRADATION
Lubricant oil basestocks are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons ranging in carbon

number from C15 to C50. The major hydrocarbon types are branched chain alkanes
and cycloalkanes; the aromatic hydrocarbon content varies with the severity of the
refining process being negligible in white oils, but constituting a significant proportion
of unrefined basestocks; olefins are found only at very low concentrations. The very
low vapour pressures of the hydrocarbons found in lubricating oil basestocks are
such that volatilisation is not a significant fate process on release to the environment.
In water, lubricating oil basestocks will float and will spread at a rate that is viscosity
dependent. Water solubilities are very low and dispersion occurs mainly from water
movement with adsorption by sediment being the major fate process. In soil,
lubricating oil basestocks show little mobility and adsorption is the predominant
physical process.
A number of 28 day ready biodegradability studies have been conducted on lubricant

base oils using either modified Sturm (OECD 301B) or closed bottle (OECD 301D)
procedures. The available data are presented in Table 4. Additionally, many studies
on lubricating oil basestocks have been conducted using the 21 day CEC-L-33-A-93
test (CEC, 1995), originally developed for the evaluation of outboard engine two
stroke oils. Data from these studies are also included in Table 4. This procedure
measures only primary degradation and not complete mineralisation; it has proved
useful in ranking lubricant oil basestocks for biodegradability. Several studies have
been carried which have included comparisons of the biodegradation of base oils
using different test methods (Battersby et al, 1992; Novic et al; 1993; BP, 1990-91
and Mobil, 1984-91). The general conclusions that can be drawn from these studies
are:
• Ready tests are more stringent (ie they give the lowest % biodegradation)
• Of the ready tests, the highest numbers are obtained with the modified
Sturm test
• Across all the test methods, the ranking order for biodegradability of
different lubricating oil basestocks is similar
• For a given viscosity, paraffinic oils typically show slightly better

biodegradation than naphthenic oils.
• The higher the viscosity, the lower the biodegradation.
It is apparent that the extent of biodegradation recorded for a particular lubricating oil
basestock is dependent on the test procedure used. It has been shown that the
presentation of the sample in a biodegradation test is important and the use of
solvents, surfactants or inert carriers (e.g. glass fibre filter papers) can significantly
affect the results obtained. The incorporation of carbon from base oils in the creation
of new biomass cells has been studied (CONCAWE, 1996b) and it was concluded
that this was not a significant loss process in biodegradation studies.
20
Table 4: Results of ready biodegradability studies on lubricant base oils
Substance CAS No. Viscosity Results (% biodegradability) Reference

2
(mm /s at Sturm test CEC test
40°C) OECD 301B CEC-L-33-A-93
Solvent-refined, light 64741-89-5 12 26 63 BP, 1990-91
paraffinic distillate
Solvent-refined light 64741-89-5 15 17 75 BP, 1990-91
distillate
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-88-4 20 18 64 BP, 1990-91
Solvent-refined, 64742-01-4 470 3 45 BP, 1990-91
residual oil
Solvent-refined, 64742-01-4 650 5 13 BP, 1990-91
residual oil
Solvent-deasphalted, 64741-95-3 400 8 - Shell
residual oil
1
Solvent-refined, light 64741-97-5 - 28 - Shell
naphthenic distillate
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 - 23 57 Battersby et al.,
paraffinic distillate 1992
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 - 21 45 Battersby et al.,
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 - 5 47 Shell
Solvent-dewaxed 64742-62-7 - 6 28 Battersby et al.,
residual oil 1992
1
White mineral oil 8042-47-5 - 24 49 Mobil,
1984-91
White mineral oil 8042-47-5 - 10 - Battersby et al.,
1992
2
Solvent refined - <50 46 50 ± 10 Novic et al, 1993
2
Solvent refined heavy - >100 31 32 Novic et al, 1993
2
Pale naphthenic - - 22 23 Novic et al, 1993
distillate
1
OECD 301D, closed bottle test
2
28 day shake flask method
- Not available
21
Whatever the method of presentation, lubricant base oils are not readily
biodegradable in standard 28-day tests, but since they consist primarily of
hydrocarbons which are ultimately assimilated by micro-organisms, they are
considered to be inherently biodegradable. A test procedure involving an adaptive
phase and based on an ISO headspace method (ISO, 1996) is being developed by
the oil industry (CONCAWE, 1996c) with the objective of enabling the demonstration
of the inherent biodegradability of oil products.
There is much evidence that micro-organisms capable of utilising petroleum

hydrocarbons are widely dispersed throughout the environment; in laboratory
studies, the use of a pre-exposed population of micro-organisms results in faster
rates of biodegradation. Like other chemicals (ECETOC, 1993), mineral oils are
equally well biodegraded in sea water as in fresh water; the rate of degradation
depends to a large degree on the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients,
which limit the growth of the degrading micro-organisms (Bridie and Bos, 1971).
Specific data on the biodegradation of base oils and other hydrocarbons in soil are
limited, largely because of the practical difficulties posed by such studies. However,
laboratory studies with petroleum products have shown good correlation between
biodegradation using soil inoculum and results from similar tests using aquatic or
sewage inoculum (Battersby, 1994).
There is an increasing body of evidence that petroleum hydrocarbons, contrary to

the view that prevailed until recently, are significantly biodegraded in the absence of
oxygen by aerobic bacteria. This is an important consideration, since most of the
petroleum hydrocarbons lost to the environment will tend to be associated with
sediments (which are generally anaerobic). Biodegradation is favoured by complex
microbial communities such as those found in sediments, sludge digesters and
biofilms (Aeckersberg et al, 1991; Haag et al, 1991; Mihelcic and Luthy, 1988;
Schink, 1985a; Schink, 1985b; Schink, 1988; Schink and Hunter, 1975; Bertrand et
al, 1989; Rueter et al, 1994, Rabus and Widel, 1996). Laboratory tests for anaerobic
biodegradation, such as the stringent ECETOC screening test (ECETOC, 1988)
demonstrate only limited biodegradation (4-6%) over 28 to 35 days (Steber et al,
1995).
11.2. BIOACCUMULATION
The bioaccumulation potential of a substance is best assessed by measurement of

its bioconcentration factor (BCF). However, for a complex mixture, each
hydrocarbon will have its own BCF value. The analytical difficulties involved in the
evaluation of BCF for a complex hydrocarbon mixture are such that no studies have
been reported; each individual hydrocarbon present will have its own BCF. It is
generally accepted that, in the absence of such data, an indication of
bioaccumulation can be obtained from the value of the octanol/water partition
coefficient (expressed as log Kow). Most hydrocarbon constituents of base oils have
log Kow values of 4 and higher and hence, would be regarded as bioaccumulative.
Log Kow values for hydrocarbons are known with some accuracy to a value of about
6 and there are a number of mathematical relationships enabling the estimation of
BCF values from log Kow figures. However, such estimates are far from reliable as
has been shown in a number of studies. Thus, in an experimental determination
(Werner and Kimerle, 1982) for n-dodecylbenzene, the BCF value was 35 against a
7
calculated value of over 10 ; similarly for benzo(α)pyrene the experimental BCF was
490 against a calculated value of 63,100. (Spacie et al, 1983) In these studies the
main reason for the measured values of BCF being much lower than the calculated
values was that no account was taken of metabolism in making the prediction.
22
The constituent hydrocarbons of lubricating oil basestocks typically have very low
water solubility, high molecular weight and are believed not to be significantly
accumulated. There are no data to indicate that lubricating oil basestocks are
significantly bioaccumulated by aquatic organisms.
11.3. ECOTOXICITY
Both acute and chronic ecotoxicity studies have been carried out on base oils using
either the lethal loading/water accommodated fraction (WAF) approach
(CONCAWE, 1992) or oil in water dispersions.
Acute toxicity
The available acute toxicity data for fish, invertebrates and algae are summarised in
Table 5. The loading rate results indicate that the acute aquatic toxicities to fish,
Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia and algal species are above 1000 mg/l using either water
accommodated fractions or oil in water dispersions. These results are predictable
from the known compositions of the base oils studied and the reported acute
toxicities of homologous series of hydrocarbons (Adema, 1986 and 1991).
23
Table 5: Acute toxicity tests on lubricant base oils
Base oil CAS No. Species Method Results Reference

Parameter Value (mg/l)
Solvent-refined, light 64741-97-5 Daphnia magna WAF EL50, 48h >10,000 Shell
Solvent-refined, light 64741-97-5 G. Pulex WAF EL50, 96h >10,000 Shell

Hydrotreated, light 64742-55-8 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >5,000 Barbieri et al,
Solvent-dewaxed, 64742-65-0 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >5,000 Barbieri et al,
heavy paraffinic 1993
distillate
Hydrotreated, heavy 64742-54-7 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >5,000 Barbieri et al,
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-96-4 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >5,000 Barbieri et al,
naphthenic distillate 1993
Solvent-dewaxed 64742-62-7 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >5,000 Barbieri et al,
residual oil 1993
Solvent-refined, light 64741-89-5 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >1,000 BP, 1990-91
Hydrocracked, solvent- 9748873-8 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >1,000 BP, 1990-91
refined light distillate
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-88-4 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >1,000 BP, 1990-91
Solvent-refined, 64742-01-4 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >1,000 BP, 1990-91
residual oil
Solvent-deasphalted, 64741-95-3 Fish (O. mykiss) OWD LL50, 96h >1,000 BP, 1990-91
residual oil
White mineral oil 8042-47-5 Fish (Lepomis OWD LL50, 96h >10,000 Mobil,
macrochirus) 1984-91
Solvent-refined, light 64741-89-5 Alga (Scenedesmus WAF IrL50, 96 h >1,000 BP, 1991a
paraffinic distillate subspicatus) IbL50, 96 h >1,000
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-88-4 Alga (Scenedesmus WAF IrL50, 96 h >1,000 BP, 1991b
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-88-4 Alga (Scenedesmus WAF IrL50, 96 h >1,000 BP, 1991c
Solvent-refined, 64742-01-4 Alga (Scenedesmus WAF IrL50, 96 h >1,000 BP, 1991d

residual oil subspicatus) IbL50, 96 h >1,000
EL50 = Effective loading rate required to immobilise 50% of invertebrate species

LL50 = Lethal loading rate required to kill 50% of fish species
IrL50 = Inhibitory loading rate required to reduce algal growth rate by 50%
IbL50 = Inhibitory loading rate required to reduce area under growth curve (biomass) by 50%
Thus, in studying the toxicity of alkanes to Daphnia magna and Chaetogammarus

marinus (Adema, 1986), it was found that for carbon numbers of C10 and above (i.e.
decane and above), the water solubilities were too low to cause acute toxicity.
24
Similarly for alkylbenzenes (Adema, 1991), those materials having carbon numbers
of C15 and above were too water insoluble to cause acute toxicity. Since lubricant
base oils mainly contain hydrocarbons having carbon numbers in the range C15 to
C50, it is predictable from the work of Adema that acute toxicity would not be
observed with these substances.
The available data from algal studies (BP, 1996a) indicate that lubricant base oils
are not acutely toxic, an observation that aligns with the data for hydrocarbons
derived from quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) (European
Commission, 1996), and results of studies with other aquatic species.
Chronic toxicity
The available chronic toxicity data for both fish and invertebrates are summarised in
Table 6. The results show that the no observed effect level (NOEL) usually exceeds
1000 mg/l for lubricant base oils. For one study (Shell Research, 1994) carried out
with a hydrotreated light naphthenic distillate (CAS No. 64742-53-6), tests were run
at two loading rates viz 1000 and 1 mg/l and toxicity was observed at the upper but
not the lower level. However, this is an exception and the weight of experimental
evidence leads to the conclusion that lubricant base oils do not cause chronic toxicity
to fish and invertebrates.
It is to be noted that the spillage of large volumes of lubricant base oils into water will
result in films of undissolved oil on the surface and this will cause direct physical
fouling of organisms and may interfere with surface air exchange resulting in lower
levels of dissolved oxygen. Petroleum products have also been associated with
causing taint in fish even when the latter are caught in lightly contaminated
environments.
Toxicity to terrestrial and other organisms
Few published data are available in the open literature on the effects of lubricating oil
basestocks on terrestrial organisms. However, much of the data from studies of the
human health effects of base oils are relevant to the assessment of hazards to
environmental species.
Direct fouling of aquatic mammals and sea birds may result from exposure to
floating base oil following a spill into water. Highly refined base oils sprayed onto the
surface of eggs, either early or late during incubation, has been proposed as a
method for controlling goose numbers; fully coated eggs fail to hatch (Christens et
al, 1995).
Toxicity to plants
Lubricating oil basestocks are used both alone and as components of many crop
protection products, where according to application, they contribute to the control of
both weeds and pests in economic crops. Extensive experience from laboratory and
field trials in a wide range of crops has confirmed that either aerosol exposure or
direct application of oil emulsion to the leaves of crop plants produces little or no
damage (Beattie et al 1995).
Studies of the effects of base oils incorporated into soil on seed generation and plant
development have demonstrated evidence of little or no adverse effect at
contamination rates up to 4% (Ahlf and Gunkel, 1992).
25
Table 6: Chronic toxicity tests on lubricant base oils
Substance CAS No. Procedure Species End points NOEL Reference

(mg/l)
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 Shell Research, 1994
paraffinic distillate Part II, WAF survival
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 EPA 1002.0 C. dubia Reproduction/ >5,000 Barbieri et al, 1993
paraffinic distillate WAF survival
Solvent-dewaxed, heavy 64742-65-0 EPA 1000.0 Fish Reproduction/ >5,000 Barbieri et al, 1993
paraffinic distillate OWD (P. promelas) survival
Hydrotreated, light 64742-55-8 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 Shell Research, 1994
paraffinic distillate Part II, WAF survival Barbieri et al, 1993
Hydrotreated, light 64742-55-8 EPA 1002.0 C. dubia Reproduction/ 550 Barbieri et al, 1993
Hydrotreated, light 64742-55-8 EPA 1000.0 Fish Reproduction/ >5,000 Barbieri et al, 1993
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-88-4 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 Shell Research, 1994
paraffinic distillate Part II, WAF survival BP, 1995a
BP, 1995b
BP, 1995c
Hydrotreated, light 64742-53-6 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1 Shell Research, 1994
naphthenic distillate Part II, WAF survival
Hydrotreated, heavy 64742-54-7 EPA 1002.0 C. dubia Reproduction/ >5,000 Barbieri et al, 1993
Hydrotreated, heavy 64742-54-7 EPA 1000.0 Fish Reproduction/ >1,000 Barbieri et al, 1993
Solvent-refined, heavy 64741-96-4 EPA 1002.0 C. dubia Reproduction/ >5,000 Shell Research, 1994
naphthenic distillate WAF survival
Solvent-dewaxed 64742-62-7 EPA 1002.0 C. dubia Reproduction/ >5,000 Shell Research, 1994
residual oil WAF survival
Solvent-refined, light 64741-89-5 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 BP, 1995d
paraffinic distillate Part II, WAF survival BP, 1995e
Solvent-refined, 64742-01-4 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 BP, 1995f

residual oil Part II, WAF survival
Solvent-deasphalted, 64741-95-3 OECD 202, D. magna Reproduction/ >1,000 BP, 1995g

residual oil Part II, WAF survival
WAF = Water Accommodated Fraction

OWD = Oil in Water Dispersion
NOEL = No Observed Effect Loading Rate concentration
26
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34
APPENDIX 1
UNREFINED OR MILDLY REFINED BASE OILS
EINECS No. CAS No.
265-051-5 64741-50-0
Distillates (petroleum), light paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by vacuum distillation of the

residuum from atmospheric distillation of crude oil. It consists of hydrocarbons
having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C15 through C30 and produces
a finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100 °F (19cSt at 40°C). It
contains a relatively large proportion of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons normally
present in this distillation range of crude oil.
265-052-0 64741-51-1
Distillates (petroleum), heavy paraffinic

a finished oil with a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
contains a relatively large proportion of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.
265-053-6 64741-52-2
Distillates (petroleum), light naphthenic

a finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
contains relatively few normal paraffins.
265-054-1 64741-53-3
Distillates (petroleum), heavy naphthenic

a finished oil with a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
35
265-117-3 64742-18-3
Distillates (petroleum), acid-treated heavy naphthenic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as a raffinate from a sulfuric acid

treating process. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly
in the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least
100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins.
265-118-9 64742-19-4
Distillates (petroleum), acid-treated light naphthenic

treating process. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly
in the range of C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of less
than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins.
265-119-4 64742-20-7
Distillates (petroleum), acid-treated heavy paraffinic

process. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon
numbers predominantly in the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil
having a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
265-121-5 64742-21-8
Distillates (petroleum), acid-treated light paraffinic

treating process. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon
having a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
265-127-8 64742-27-4
Distillates (petroleum), chemically neutralized heavy paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from a treating process to remove

acidic materials. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
predominantly in the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil with a
viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains a relatively large
proportion of aliphatic hydrocarbons.
265-128-3 64742-28-5
Distillates (petroleum), chemically neutralized light paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by a treating process to remove

acidic materials. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly
in the range of C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity less than
100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
36
265-135-1 64742-34-3
Distillates (petroleum), chemically neutralized heavy naphthenic

in the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least
265-136-7 64742-35-4
Distillates (petroleum), chemically neutralized light naphthenic

in the range of C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of less
than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins
37
APPENDIX 2
HIGHLY REFINED BASE OILS
EINECS No. CAS No.
232-455-8 8042-47-5
White mineral oil (petroleum)
A highly refined petroleum mineral oil consisting of a complex combination of

hydrocarbons obtained from the intensive treatment of a petroleum fraction with
sulphuric acid and oleum, or by hydrogenation, or by a combination of hydrogenation
and acid treatment. Additional washing and treating steps may be included in the
processing operation. It consists of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
predominantly in the range of C15 through C50.
276-735-8 72623-83-7
Lubricating oils (petroleum)C25, hydrotreated bright stock-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating solvent deasphalted

residual oil with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst in two stages with dewaxing
carried out between stages. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having
carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25 and produces a finished oil with a
viscosity of approximately 440cSt at 40°C. It contains a relatively large proportion of
saturated hydrocarbons.
295-425-3 92045-44-8
Lubricating oils (petroleum), hydrotreated bright stock-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treatment of a solvent-refined

residue with hydrogen. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon
numbers predominantly greater than C50 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity
of between 650-750cSt at 40°C.
295-426-9 92045-45-9
Lubricating oils (petroleum), hydrotreated solvent-refined, bright stock-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treatment of a solvent-refined

residue with hydrogen. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon
numbers greater than C40 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of between
450-500cSt at 40°C.
295-550-3 92062-35-6
White mineral oil (petroleum), light
A highly refined petroleum mineral oil consisting of a complex combination of

hydrocarbons obtained from the intensive treatment of a petroleum fraction with
sulphuric acid and oleum, or by hydrogenation, or by a combination of hydrogenation
and acid treatment. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons
predominantly greater than C12.
38
APPENDIX 3
OTHER BASE OILS
EINECS No. CAS No.
265-077-7 64741-76-0
Distillates (petroleum), heavy hydrocracked
A complex combination of hydrocarbons from the distillation of the products from a

hydrocracking process. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having
carbon numbers in the range of C15-C39 and boiling in the range of approximately
260°C to 600°C (500°F to 1112°F)
265-090-8 64741-88-4
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined heavy paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as the raffinate from a solvent

extraction process. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having
carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C20 through C50 and produces a
finished oil with a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
265-091-3 64741-89-5
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined light paraffinic

extraction process. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having
finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
265-096-0 64741-95-3
Residual oils (petroleum), solvent deasphalted
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as the solvent soluble fraction

from C3 - C4 solvent deasphalting of a residuum. It consists of hydrocarbons having
carbon numbers predominantly higher than C25 and boiling above approximately
400°C (752°F).
265-097-6 64741-96-4
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined heavy naphthenic

extraction process. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few
normal paraffins.
39
265-098-1 64741-97-5
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined light naphthenic

extraction process. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19 cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few
normal paraffins.
265-101-6 64742-01-4
Residual oils (petroleum), solvent-refined
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as the solvent insoluble fraction

from solvent refining of a residuum using a polar organic solvent such as phenol or
furfural. It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly higher
than C25 and boiling above approximately 400°C (752°F).
265-137-2 64742-36-5
Distillates (petroleum), clay-treated heavy paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons resulting from treatment of a petroleum

fraction with natural or modified clay in either a contacting or percolation process to
remove the trace amounts of polar compounds and impurities present. It consists of
hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C20 through C50
and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at
40°C). It contains a relatively large proportion of saturated hydrocarbons.
265-138-8 64742-37-6
Distillates (petroleum), clay-treated light paraffinic

and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at
40°C). It contains a relatively large proportion of saturated hydrocarbons.
265-143-5 64742-41-2
Residual oils (petroleum), clay-treated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treatment of a residual oil with

a natural or modified clay in either a contacting or percolation process to remove the
trace amounts of polar compounds and impurities present. It consists of
hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly higher than C25 and boiling
above approximately 400°C (752°F).
40
265-146-1 64742-44-5
Distillates (petroleum), clay-treated heavy naphthenic

and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at
40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins.
265-147-7 64742-45-6
Distillates (petroleum), clay-treated light naphthenic

265-155-0 64742-52-5
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy naphthenic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating a petroleum fraction

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It consists of hydrocarbons having
finished oil of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few
normal paraffins.
265-156-6 64742-53-6
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light naphthenic

finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
265-157-1 64742-54-7
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy paraffinic

finished oil of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains a relatively large
proportion of saturated hydrocarbons.
41
265-158-7 64742-55-8
Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light paraffinic

finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
contains a relatively large proportion of saturated hydrocarbons.
265-159-2 64742-56-9
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-dewaxed light paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by removal of normal paraffins

from a petroleum fraction by solvent crystallization. It consists predominantly of
40°C).
265-160-8 64742-57-0
Residual oils (petroleum), hydrotreated

carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25 and boiling above approximately
400°C (752°F).
265-166-0 64742-62-7
Residual oils (petroleum), solvent-dewaxed
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by removal of long, branched

chain hydrocarbons from a residual oil by solvent crystallization. It consists of
hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25 and boiling
above approximately 400°C (752°F).
265-167-6 64742-63-8
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-dewaxed heavy naphthenic
A complex combination of hydrocarbon obtained by removal of normal paraffins from

a petroleum fraction by solvent crystallization. It consists of hydrocarbons having
finished oil of not less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively
few normal paraffins.
42
265-168-1 64742-64-9
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-dewaxed light naphthenic

from a petroleum fraction by solvent crystallization. It consists of hydrocarbons
a finished oil with a viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It
265-169-7 64742-65-0
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-dewaxed heavy paraffinic

from a petroleum fraction by solvent crystallization. It consists predominantly of
and produces a finished oil with a viscosity not less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at
40°C).
265-172-3 64742-68-3
Naphthenic oils (petroleum), catalytic dewaxed heavy
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from a catalytic dewaxing process.

It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in
the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least
265-173-9 64742-69-4
Naphthenic oils (petroleum), catalytic dewaxed light

It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of
C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity less than 100 SUS at
100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins.
265-174-4 64742-70-7
Paraffin oils (petroleum), catalytic dewaxed heavy

the range of C20 through C50 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of at least
100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
43
265-176-5 64742-71-8
Paraffin oils (petroleum), catalytic dewaxed light

the range of C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of less than
100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C).
265-179-1 64742-75-2
Naphthenic oils (petroleum), complex dewaxed heavy
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by removing straight chain paraffin

hydrocarbons as a solid by treatment with an agent such as urea. It consists of
and produces a finished oil having a viscosity of at least 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at
265-180-7 64742-76-3
Naphthenic oils (petroleum), complex dewaxed light

It consists of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of
C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil having a viscosity less than 100 SUS at
100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few normal paraffins.
276-736-3 72623-85-9
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C20-50, hydrotreated neutral oil-based, high-viscosity
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating light vacuum gas oil,

heavy vacuum gas oil, and solvent deasphalted residual oil with hydrogen in the
presence of a catalyst in a two stage process with dewaxing being carried out
between the two stages. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon
having a viscosity of approximately 112cSt at 40°C. It contains a relatively large
276-737-9 72623-86-0
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C15-30, hydrotreated neutral oil-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating light vacuum gas oil

and heavy vacuum gas oil with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst in a two stage
process with dewaxing being carried out between the two stages. It consists
predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range
of C15 through C30 and produces a finished oil having a viscosity of approximately
15cSt at 40°C. It contains a relatively large proportion of saturated hydrocarbons.
44
276-738-4 72623-87-1
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C20-50, hydrotreated neutral oil-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating light vacuum gas oil,

heavy vacuum gas oil and solvent deasphalted residual oil with hydrogen in the
presence of a catalyst in a two stage process with dewaxing being carried out
between the two stages. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon
with a viscosity of approximately 32cSt at 40°C. It contains a relatively large
278-012-2 74869-22-0
Lubricating oils
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from solvent extraction and

dewaxing processes. It consists predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having
carbon numbers in the range C15 through C50.
292-613-7 90640-91-8
Distillates (petroleum), complex dewaxed heavy paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by dewaxing heavy paraffinic

distillate. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
viscosity of equal to or greater than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains
relatively few normal paraffins.
292-614-2 90640-92-9
Distillates (petroleum), complex dewaxed light paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by dewaxing light paraffinic

viscosity of less than 100 SUS at 100°F (19cSt at 40°C). It contains relatively few
normal paraffins.
292-616-3 90640-94-1
Distillates (petroleum), solvent dewaxed heavy paraffinic, clay-treated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treating dewaxed heavy

paraffinic distillate with neutral or modified clay in either a contacting or percolation
process. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
45
292-617-9 90640-95-2
Hydrocarbons, C20-50, solvent dewaxed heavy paraffinic, hydrotreated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by treating dewaxed heavy

paraffinic distillate with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It consists
of C20 through C50.
292-618-4 90640-96-3
Distillates (petroleum), solvent dewaxed light paraffinic, clay-treated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons resulting from treatment of dewaxed light

paraffinic distillate with natural or modified clay in either a contacting or percolation
process. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers
292-620-5 90640-97-4
Distillates (petroleum), solvent dewaxed light paraffinic, hydrotreated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by treating a dewaxed light

paraffinic distillate with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It consists
of C15 through C30.
292-656-1 90669-74-2
Residual oils (petroleum), hydrotreated solvent dewaxed
294-843-3 91770-57-9
Residual oils (petroleum), catalytic dewaxed
295-300-3 91995-39-0
Distillates (petroleum), dewaxed heavy paraffinic, hydrotreated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from an intensive treatment of

dewaxed distillate by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst. It consists
predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in
the range of C25 through C39 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of
approximately 44cSt at 50 °C.
295-301-9 91995-40-3
Distillates (petroleum), dewaxed light paraffinic, hydrotreated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from an intensive treatment of

dewaxed distillate by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst. It consists
predominantly of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in
the range of C21 through C29 and produces a finished oil with a viscosity of
approximately 13cSt at 50°C.
46
295-306-6 91995-45-8
Distillates (petroleum), hydrocracked solvent-refined, dewaxed
A complex combination of liquid hydrocarbons obtained by recrystallization of

dewaxed hydrocracked solvent-refined petroleum distillates.
295-316-0 91995-54-9
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined light naphthenic, hydrotreated

with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst and removing the aromatic hydrocarbons
by solvent extraction. It consists predominantly of naphthenic hydrocarbons having
finished oil with a viscosity of between 13-15cSt at 40°C.
295-423-2 92045-42-6
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C17-35, solvent-extd., dewaxed, hydrotreated
295-424-8 92045-43-7
Lubricating oils (petroleum), hydrocracked nonarom. solvent-deparaffined
295-499-7 92061-86-4
Residual oils (petroleum), hydrocracked acid-treated solvent-dewaxed
A complex combination of hydrocarbons produced by solvent removal of paraffins

from the residue of the distillation of acid-treated, hydrocracked heavy paraffins and
boiling approximately above 380°C (716°F).
295-810-6 92129-09-4
Paraffin oils (petroleum), solvent-refined dewaxed heavy
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained from sulfur-containing paraffinic

crude oil. It consists predominantly of a solvent refined deparaffinated lubricating oil
with a viscosity of 65cSt at 50°C.
297-474-6 93572-43-1
Lubricating oils (petroleum), base oils, paraffinic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by refining of crude oil. It consists

predominantly of aromatics, naphthenics and paraffinics and produces a finished oil
with a viscosity of 120 SUS at 100°F (23cSt at 40°C).
297-857-8 93763-38-3
Hydrocarbons, hydrocracked paraffinic distn. Residues, solvent-dewaxed
47
300-257-1 93924-61-9
Hydrocarbons, C20-50, residual oil hydrogenation vacuum distillate
305-588-5 94733-08-1
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined hydrotreated heavy, hydrogenated
305-589-0 94733-09-2
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined hydrocracked light
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by solvent dearomatization of the

residue of hydrocracked petroleum. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons
having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C18 through C27 and boiling in
the range of approximately 370°C to 450°C (698°F to 942°F).
305-594-8 94733-15-0
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C18-40, solvent-dewaxed hydrocracked distillate-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by solvent deparaffination of the

distillation residue from hydrocracked petroleum. It consists predominantly of
and boiling in the range of approximately 370°C to 550°C (698°F to 1022°F).
305-595-3 94733-16-1
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C18-40, solvent-dewaxed hydrogenated raffinate-based
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by solvent deparaffination of the

hydrogenated raffinate obtained by solvent extraction of a hydrotreated petroleum
predominantly in the range of C18 through C40 and boiling in the range of
approximately 370°C to 550°C (698°F to 1022°F).
305-971-7 95371-04-3
Hydrocarbons, C13-30, arom.-rich, solvent-extd. naphthenic distillate
305-972-2 95371-05-4
Hydrocarbons, C16-32, arom. rich, solvent-extd. naphthenic distillate
305-974-3 95371-07-6
Hydrocarbons, C37-68, dewaxed deasphalted hydrotreated vacuum distn. residues
305-975-9 95371-08-7
Hydrocarbons, C37-65, hydrotreated deasphalted vacuum distn. residues
48
307-010-7 97488-73-8
Distillates (petroleum), hydrocracked solvent-refined light
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by the solvent treatment of a

distillate from hydrocracked petroleum distillates. It consists predominantly of
307-011-2 97488-74-9
Distillates (petroleum), solvent-refined hydrogenated heavy
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by the treatment of a

hydrogenated petroleum distillate with a solvent. It consists predominantly of
307-034-8 97488-95-4
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C18-27, hydrocracked solvent-dewaxed
307-661-7 97675-87-1
Hydrocarbons, C17-30, hydrotreated solvent-deasphalted atm. distn. residue, distn.

lights
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as first runnings from the vacuum

distillation of effluents from the treatment of a solvent-deasphalted short residue with
hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. It consists predominantly of hydrocarbons
having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C17 through C30 and boiling in
the range of approximately 300°C to 400°C (572°F to 752°F). It produces a finished
oil having a viscosity of 4 cSt at approximately 100°C (212°F).
307-755-8 97722-06-0
Hydrocarbons, C17-40, hydrotreated solvent-deasphalted distn. residue, vacuum

distn. lights
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained as first runnings from the vacuum

distillation of effluents from the catalytic hydrotreatment of a solvent deasphalted
short residue having a viscosity of 8cSt at approximately 100°C (212°F). It consists
of C17 through C40 and boiling in the range of approximately 300°C to 500°C (592°F
to 932°F).
307-758-4 97722-09-3
Hydrocarbons, C13-27, solvent-extd. light naphthenic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by extraction of the aromatics

from a light naphthenic distillate having a viscosity of 9.5cSt at 40°C (104°F). It
consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in
the range of C13 through C27 and boiling in the range of approximately 240°C to
400°C (464°F to 752°F).
49
307-760-5 97722-10-6
Hydrocarbons, C14-29, solvent-extd. light naphthenic
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by extraction of the aromatics

from a light naphthenic distillate having a viscosity of 16cSt at 40°C (104°F). It
consists predominantly of hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in
the range of C14 through C29 and boiling in the range of approximately 250°C to
425°C (482°F to 797°F).
308-131-8 97862-81-2
Hydrocarbons, C27-42, dearomatized
308-132-3 97862-82-3
Hydrocarbons, C17-30, hydrotreated distillates, distn. Lights
308-133-9 97862-83-4
Hydrocarbons, C27-45, naphthenic vacuum distn.
308-287-7 97926-68-6
Hydrocarbons, C27-45, dearomatized
308-289-8 97926-70-0
Hydrocarbons, C20-58, hydrotreated
308-290-3 97926-71-1
Hydrocarbons, C27-42, naphthenic
309-710-8 100684-37-5
Residual oils (petroleum), carbon-treated solvent-dewaxed
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by the treatment of solvent-

dewaxed petroleum residual oils with activated charcoal for the removal of trace
polar constituents and impurities.
309-711-3 100684-38-6
Residual oils (petroleum), clay-treated solvent-dewaxed
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by treatment of solvent-dewaxed

petroleum residual oils with bleaching earth for the removal of trace polar
constituents and impurities.
50
309-874-0 101316-69-2
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C>25, solvent-extd., deasphalted, dewaxed,

hydrogenated
A complex combination of hydrocarbons obtained by solvent extraction and

hydrogenation of vacuum distillation residues. It consists predominantly of
hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly greater than C25 and produces
a finished oil with a viscosity in the order of 32 cSt to 37 cSt at 100°C (212°F).
309-875-6 101316-70-5
Lubricating oils (petroleum), C17-32, solvent-extd., dewaxed, hydrogenated

hydrogenation of atmospheric distillation residues. It consists predominantly of
and produces a finished oil with a viscosity in the order of 17 cSt to 23 cSt at 40°C
(104°F)
309-876-1 101316-71-6

(104°F).
309-877-7 101316-72-7

(104°F).
51

Lubricating Oil Basestocks: Product Dossier No. 97/108

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Lubricating Oil Basestocks: Product Dossier No. 97/108

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product dossier no.

Reproduction permitted with due acknowledgement

Review, mineral oil, base oil, lubricant, toxicity, ecotoxicity, health.

2.1. LUBRICATING OIL BASESTOCKS 2

4.1. ACUTE TOXICITY 5

5.1. HUMAN EXPERIENCE 12

10. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 19

11. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 20

11.1. PERSISTENCE AND BIODEGRADATION 20

APPENDIX 1: UNREFINED OR MILDLY REFINED BASE OILS 35

APPENDIX 2: HIGHLY REFINED BASE OILS 38

APPENDIX 3: OTHER BASE OILS 39

This product dossier is one in a series of 11 on the following major groups of

− Liquefied petroleum gas

− Gas oils (diesel fuels/heating oils)

− Heavy fuel oils

− Lubricating oil basestocks

− Waxes and petrolatum

− Bitumens and bitumen derivatives

− Product description, uses and typical properties

− Toxicology, health aspects and fire, explosion and environmental

− Recommended exposure limits

− Advice on handling, emergency treatment and disposal

− Entries in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical

Higher viscosity grades of lubricating oil basestocks are produced by solvent

2.1. LUBRICATING OIL BASESTOCKS

Lubricating oil basestocks consist predominantly of hydrocarbons but also contain

Lubricating oil basestocks are usually described as naphthenic or paraffinic

The proportions of different hydrocarbon components determine the characteristics

− Unrefined and mildly refined base oils (Appendix 1)

2.2. FORMULATED LUBRICANTS AND ADDITIVES

This dossier will not consider formulated lubricants or greases (basestocks

Because of the diversity of types of lubricating oil basestocks available, it is only

Table 1: Physico-chemical properties for selected lubricating oil basestocks

Base oil description Kinematic viscosity * Flash Pour Density Average

Solvent-dewaxed, light paraffinic 8.4 2.4 157 -18 0.85 280

Solvent-dewaxed 1300 50 285 -6 0.95 700

4.1. ACUTE TOXICITY

Acute toxicity data on lubricating oil basestocks are summarised in Table 2.

Material Oral Dermal Inhaln LC50 Skin 1 Eye 1 Skin 2 Reference

4.1.1. Oral, skin and inhalation

4.1.2. Skin and eye irritation

4.1.3. Skin sensitisation

4.2. SUB-ACUTE/SUB-CHRONIC TOXICITY

Sub-chronic feeding studies in Fischer 344 rats produced unexpected findings

Rats were exposed to an aerosol of one of two solvent-extracted paraffinic oils (8

Table 3: Summary of subacute dermal studies on lubricating oil basestocks

Material Species Duration Dose Effect on skin Systemic effects Reference

• Unrefined or poorly refined base oils are carcinogenic (IARC, 1984;

IARC summarised studies of the carcinogenic effects of mineral oils administered

4.4. DEVELOPMENTAL AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY

No abnormal development was observed in the offspring of rats dermally exposed to

When used as a vehicle control, gavage administration of 5 ml/kg/day of a highly

5.1. HUMAN EXPERIENCE

In an Environmental Health Criteria document on "Selected Petroleum Products",

High concentrations of oil mist, generated mechanically by fast moving machinery or

5.5. SKIN CONTACT

5.6. EYE CONTACT

Most European countries have followed the American Conference of Governmental

− A single exposure limit is not applicable to all types of oil mists;

− A lower exposure limit would be required for products containing potentially

− In accordance with the principles of good industrial hygiene practice, exposures

With reasonable handling and precautions to minimise contact, formulated