That trusty blue and yellow can of WD-40 sits in nearly every garage, workshop, and toolbox across America, ready to silence squeaky hinges and loosen rusty bolts. But what most people don’t realize is that this household staple might be harboring hidden dangers. Recent investigations have uncovered serious safety concerns about WD-40 that manufacturers don’t prominently advertise. The convenient aerosol can you reach for without a second thought could potentially lead to serious injury if you’re making one common mistake.
Exposure to high heat can cause can explosion
Many people store their WD-40 cans wherever it’s convenient – on a shelf near the water heater, in a toolbox in the hot garage, or even in their car during summer months. This seemingly harmless storage choice could be putting you at risk. According to federal lawsuits filed against WD-40 Company, when these aerosol cans are exposed to high temperatures, they can become “highly susceptible to permanent deformation,” which drastically increases the possibility of a sudden, dangerous explosion. In one documented case, an exploding WD-40 can sent metal shrapnel flying throughout a production facility.
The danger stems from a 1996 formula change when WD-40 Company reportedly replaced its propane-butane propellant with a high-pressure carbon dioxide propellant. This modification, allegedly implemented without proper research and development, created aerosol cans that struggle to maintain their structural integrity under heat stress. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has been made aware of these issues, yet millions of potentially hazardous cans remain in circulation. Always store your WD-40 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Using WD-40 in confined spaces without ventilation
When you’re fixing that squeaky door hinge or lubricating a stuck lock, you probably don’t think twice about spraying WD-40 indoors. However, using this product in poorly ventilated areas represents another serious mistake many consumers make. WD-40 contains petroleum-based oils and hydrocarbons that release potentially harmful vapors when sprayed. These vapors can cause nasal and respiratory irritation, along with central nervous system effects including headaches, dizziness, and nausea when inhaled in concentrated amounts.
Professional mechanics and plumbers who use WD-40 regularly in confined spaces face even greater exposure risks. The problem is compounded in small rooms, basements, or crawl spaces where air circulation is limited. Without proper ventilation, the concentration of these fumes can quickly reach levels that trigger respiratory distress or other adverse reactions. Before using WD-40 indoors, open windows, turn on fans, or wear appropriate protection if working in a confined area. This simple precaution can significantly reduce your exposure to potentially harmful fumes.
Prolonged skin contact with the product
Many DIY enthusiasts and home repair warriors make the critical error of allowing WD-40 to come into direct contact with their skin for extended periods. Perhaps you’ve sprayed the lubricant on a stubborn bolt, then continued working with the product coating your hands for hours. This common practice can be potentially dangerous, as WD-40 contains chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. While occasional, brief contact may pose minimal risk for most people, regular or prolonged exposure presents more significant concerns.
The petroleum-based formula can strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to dermatitis. More concerning is that some formulations of WD-40 have been found to contain trace amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen that can be absorbed through skin contact. Workers who frequently use WD-40 without protection may face elevated long-term health risks. To protect yourself, always wear protective gloves when working with the product, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use, even if you’ve worn gloves as an extra precaution.
Ignoring the potential presence of benzene
Perhaps the most alarming mistake people make with WD-40 is overlooking the potential presence of benzene in the product. According to legal and safety information, some formulations of WD-40 may contain benzene as a contaminant, which is particularly concerning given benzene’s classification as a known human carcinogen. The levels can vary depending on the supplier of raw materials used in manufacturing, with some suppliers reportedly continuing to use materials with dangerous levels of the chemical despite health concerns.
Regular exposure to products containing benzene has been linked to serious blood and bone marrow cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and multiple myeloma. Health experts emphasize that there is no completely safe level of benzene exposure. Individuals who work regularly with WD-40 in industrial settings are at particular risk due to their higher frequency and duration of exposure. While occasional home use likely presents lower risk, it’s still important to limit your exposure by considering alternatives for frequent applications and using proper protective equipment.
Using on food preparation surfaces
A surprisingly common mistake is using WD-40 to lubricate kitchen equipment, cabinet hinges, or drawer slides near food preparation areas. The product is not designed for food contact and should never be used on surfaces that come into contact with edible items. When sprayed, WD-40 can leave behind a petroleum-based residue that may contaminate nearby food items through direct contact or airborne particles. This residue contains chemicals that are not intended for consumption and could potentially cause digestive upset or other health issues if ingested.
The problem extends beyond direct food contact surfaces to nearby areas where cross-contamination could occur. For example, spraying WD-40 on kitchen drawer slides might seem harmless, but the residue can transfer to utensils stored in those drawers and eventually contaminate food. Even the vapors from recent application can settle on nearby food preparation surfaces. For kitchen applications, opt for food-grade lubricants specifically designed for use around food preparation areas. These products are formulated to be safe even if incidental food contact occurs, giving you peace of mind while still solving your squeaky cabinet problems.
Using as a long-term solution for mechanical problems
Many homeowners make the mistake of repeatedly applying WD-40 to chronically squeaky doors, sticking locks, or problematic machinery parts as a permanent fix rather than a temporary solution. While WD-40 works well as a water displacer and short-term lubricant (which is what the “WD” in its name stands for – Water Displacement), it’s not designed to be a long-term lubricant for mechanical issues. Continual reapplication leads to increased exposure to the product’s potentially harmful ingredients and can actually worsen the underlying problem over time.
WD-40 tends to attract dust and dirt particles, which can build up on mechanical components and create more friction and wear. Additionally, it can break down certain types of plastics and rubber components with repeated application. Each time you reapply WD-40 to the same problem area, you’re increasing your cumulative exposure to its chemical ingredients. Instead of relying on WD-40 as a permanent solution, identify and fix the root cause of mechanical issues. For ongoing lubrication needs, choose purpose-specific lubricants designed for long-term use on the particular material or mechanism you’re maintaining.
Spraying around electrical components
A dangerous mistake many DIY enthusiasts make is using WD-40 around electrical components or connections. While the product itself is not highly conductive when dry, the wet spray can create temporary conductive pathways that may cause shorts, sparks, or electrical failures if the equipment is powered on during or shortly after application. The petroleum-based formula can also deteriorate insulation on wires over time, potentially creating fire hazards or equipment failure. Additionally, the pressurized spray might push debris further into electrical connections rather than cleaning them.
The risk is especially high when working with higher voltage equipment or in situations where precision is critical. Electronic circuit boards, computer components, and sensitive electrical equipment can be permanently damaged by improper application of WD-40. The residue left behind can attract dust and create a sticky film that interferes with electrical contacts and heat dissipation. For electrical applications, it’s safer to use specialized electrical contact cleaners designed for such purposes. These products evaporate completely without leaving problematic residues and are specifically formulated to be safe around sensitive electrical components.
Ignoring proper disposal methods
Many consumers incorrectly dispose of empty or partially used WD-40 cans by simply tossing them in the regular trash. This common mistake can lead to serious safety and environmental issues. Aerosol cans, including those containing WD-40, are considered hazardous waste in many jurisdictions because they remain pressurized even when seemingly empty and contain residual chemicals that can harm the environment. When these cans are crushed in garbage trucks or compactors, they can explode, potentially injuring waste management workers or starting fires at disposal facilities.
The chemical residue left in discarded cans can leach into soil and waterways, contributing to contamination of natural resources. Additionally, the propellants used in aerosol cans may contain compounds that contribute to air pollution or ozone depletion. Instead of discarding WD-40 cans in regular trash, take them to a household hazardous waste collection facility in your community. Many municipalities host regular collection events or maintain permanent drop-off locations for safe disposal of aerosol products. If you must dispose of a partially full can, completely use up the product first or follow local regulations for hazardous waste disposal.
While WD-40 remains a valuable tool in your home maintenance arsenal, using it safely requires awareness and proper precautions. By avoiding these dangerous mistakes, you can continue to benefit from its versatility without putting yourself, your family, or your home at risk. Remember that the right tool for the job isn’t just about effectiveness—it’s also about safety. Take time to read labels, store products properly, and use appropriate protective equipment whenever working with household chemicals.
