By Nomxolisi Mashiyi
There’s a worrying belief circulating in some communities that transformer oil can be used to treat health conditions like rheumatic arthritis. While it may seem like a harmless home remedy, the reality is far more dangerous to human health and the environment.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has raised a strong warning against this practice, and for good reason. Transformer oil is not meant for human appllication. It is an industrial substance used in electrical equipment, and in many cases, it may contain toxic chemicals known as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) which are classified as forever chemicals.
The PCBs would then leak into the environment (e.g. through wastewater) and cause negative environmental impacts. Beyond the severe risks to human health, the misuse of transformer oil also poses significant environmental threats.
When transformer oil containing PCBs is spilled, disposed of incorrectly, or washed off the body into drains, soil, or water systems, these toxic chemicals are released into the environment. Since PCBs do not break down easily and can remain in soil, rivers, wetlands and sediments for decades. Once released, they spread silently through ecosystems, often far beyond the point of initial release or contamination.
In aquatic environments, PCBs are absorbed by small organisms which fish feed on and thus PCBs build up in fish and other wildlife. This process, known as bioaccumulation, causes PCB concentrations to increase as they move up the food chain. As a result, birds, livestock, and people who eat contaminated food are exposed to high levels of PCBs.
PCBs are not just any chemicals, they are part of a group of substances globally recognised for their long-lasting and harmful impact on both human health and the environment. Even though their production was ceased decades ago in many countries, including in South Africa, they still exist in older electrical equipment and contaminated sites.
Research has shown that exposure to PCBs can lead to serious health problems. These include effects on the immune system, reproductive health, brain function, and hormones. Even more concerning, PCBs are considered possible cancer-causing substances. This is not something anyone should risk by applying contaminated oil to their skin.
Despite these risks, some communities continue to request transformer oil from municipal workers, believing it can heal certain ailments. This highlights a deeper issue - the spread of misinformation when it comes to health remedies.
DFFE has continued to urge municipal officials to refuse to supply transformer oil to the public. Providing access to such hazardous substances for non-industrial use is not only unsafe but potentially life-threatening.
South Africa is already taking steps to eliminate PCBs as part of its commitment to international environmental agreements (Stockholm Convention). The country has regulations in place to phase out the use of these chemicals, and is working with municipalities to safely remove them from equipment. But these efforts can only succeed if the public also plays its part.
This is not just a government issue — it’s a public health issue.
Using transformer oil on your body is not a remedy - it is a risk – and a serious one. It is also important to remember that transformer oil is meant to be used in steel product such as a transformer and not a human flash.
Transformer oil is an industrial insulating fluid designed for electrical equipment, not for human health. Even modern formulations that are free of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can still pose health risks as they have not been subjected to the controls by South African Health Products Regulatory Authority which oversees safety and registration of medicines and health products.
Communities need to rely on safe, proven medical treatments and consult healthcare professionals rather than turning to hazardous substances. At the same time, anyone distributing or promoting the use of transformer oil for health purposes should be reported to the relevant authorities.
Misinformation can spread quickly, but so can awareness. By understanding the dangers and sharing the facts, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. We call on you – members of the public – to work with the Department to spread the information about the dangers of using transformer oils to treat health related purposes.
Our message is simple and clear: transformer oil belongs in machines - not on people!
*Mashiyi is the Acting Chief Director for Communications and Advocacy in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
