What’s in WD-40?
The exact ingredients for WD-40 are proprietary, meaning the manufacturer doesn’t disclose the full formula. However, they do share some general information. The product contains:
- Petroleum-based oils
- Hydrotreated heavy paraffinic distillates
- Carbon dioxide as a propellant
These ingredients help the spray clean, lubricate, and displace moisture. But they’re not designed to be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin for long periods.
Is WD-40 Harmful?
Used as directed, WD-40 is generally not considered highly toxic. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe in all situations. Prolonged or improper exposure—especially in unventilated areas or in workplaces with poor safety precautions—can lead to health concerns.
Short-Term Exposure
If you breathe in too much of the vapor, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Skin contact can cause irritation in some people, and eye contact can lead to redness or discomfort. WD-40 is flammable, so using it near open flames or heat sources is dangerous.
Long-Term Exposure
Here’s where the question becomes more serious. Some of the hydrocarbons in WD-40 are similar to substances known to cause health issues when exposure is frequent and unprotected. Studies have raised concerns about chronic exposure to petroleum distillates, which may impact the nervous system or respiratory health.
Can WD-40 Cause Leukemia?
A growing number of people have started asking: can WD-40 cause leukemia? While WD-40 itself is not officially listed as a carcinogen by major organizations like OSHA or the IARC, its chemical makeup includes hydrocarbons that are chemically similar to benzene—a known cancer-causing agent.
Benzene exposure has long been linked to various blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Workers in environments with frequent contact with petroleum-based products, solvents, or degreasers may unknowingly be at risk if adequate protective gear and ventilation are not used.
While there’s no direct scientific consensus that links leukemia to WD-40, the similarity of its ingredients to known carcinogens raises important concerns. If you’ve been exposed over long periods and later developed leukemia, it’s worth investigating further—especially if your workplace failed to provide safety warnings or protection.
Who Is at Risk?
The average homeowner using WD-40 to fix a squeaky hinge once a month likely has little to worry about. But for those in trades and industrial jobs, especially:
- Auto mechanics
- Factory workers
- Construction crews
- Military service members
…the risk may be higher due to repeated exposure without proper ventilation or protective equipment.
What You Should Do If You’ve Been Exposed
If you’ve received a diagnosis of leukemia and you suspect that your illness may be related to believe you’ve been harmed by prolonged or excessive exposure to WD-40 or similar products, you should call 1-800-BENZENE today to speak with one of the lawyers at Hughes Law Offices. keep track of your symptoms and medical records. Getting a proper diagnosis is essential—and so is understanding your legal rights.
Product manufacturers who profit by placing unsafe products into the stream of commerce without properly warning the end users, should be held accountable. Companies have a duty to protect their workers. If that protection failed and you’re now suffering the consequences, you may have grounds for compensation.
Hughes Law Offices Can Help
At Hughes Law Offices, we help workers and individuals who’ve been exposed to toxic substances pursue justice. If you’re wondering is WD-40 toxic, or are concerned about a possible link between WD-40 and leukemia, we’re here to investigate the facts and stand up for your rights.
Our solvent exposure lawyers are here to help you uncover the truth and take the next steps. Contact Hughes Law Offices today for a free consultation.
