South Africa: A harmful belief is spreading in some communities that transformer oil can treat conditions such as rheumatic arthritis. However, experts warn this is far from a safe remedy.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a strong warning against the practice. Transformer oil is an industrial substance used in electrical equipment and is not designed for human use. In some cases, it may contain toxic chemicals known as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
These substances pose risks not only to people but also to the environment. When transformer oil is washed off the body or disposed of improperly, PCBs can enter soil and water systems, where they remain for decades and spread through ecosystems.
In water environments, these chemicals are absorbed by small organisms and build up in fish and wildlife. This process, known as bioaccumulation, increases PCB levels along the food chain, eventually exposing humans and animals to harmful concentrations.
Health studies have linked PCB exposure to problems affecting the immune system, hormones, brain function and reproduction. They are also considered potentially cancer-causing.
Despite these dangers, some communities still seek transformer oil for personal use, highlighting the risks of misinformation. Authorities urge municipal workers not to supply it to the public.
South Africa is working to eliminate PCBs under international commitments, but public awareness is essential. Officials stress that transformer oil belongs in equipment, not on the human body, and safe medical advice should always be sought.
Source: SA News
