DOES WD-40 CONTAIN FISH OIL?

QUESTION

Hi Chef James,

I have been told that the main ingredient in WD40 lubricant and rust remover is fish oil! Is this true?
Thanks, John K.

ANSWER

Hello John,

Fish Oil is NOT an ingredient in WD-40. This is another urban legend that has been around for a long time.

WD-40's main ingredients, according to its U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet* information, are:

· 51% Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits: primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
· 25% Liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
· 15+% Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
· 10-% Inert ingredients

The German version of the mandatory EU safety sheet lists the following safety-relevant ingredients:
· 60–80% Heavy Naphtha (petroleum product), hydrogen treated
· 1–5% Carbon dioxide

It further lists flammability and effects to the human skin when repeatedly exposed to WD-40 as risks when using WD-40. Nitrile rubber gloves and safety glasses should be used.

* Required by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for potentially hazardous substances in the workplace.

Chef James, FoodReference.com

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