By Ashima Sharda Mahindra
Copyright timesnownews
A man from Karnataka is going viral after several social media posts showed him guzzling liters of engine oil, which he claims he has been having for the past three decades. Locally known as “Oil Kumar,” the man from Shivamoga district says he consumes seven to eight liters of motor oil daily, apart from regular cups of tea. In a video on Instagram, the man is seen declining offers of rice and chapati and instead drinking directly from a bottle filled with engine oil. The man also claims that he has never required admission to a hospital or treatment for any serious health complaint, attributing his ability to endure such a diet to spiritual faith. Why is drinking engine oil dangerous? According to doctors, motor or engine oil is loaded with petroleum-based products that are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Experts warn against any kind of ingestion that can lead to not just immediate but even long-term dangers—especially if it gets into your lungs. Engine oil contains harmful substances like: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs are carcinogenic compounds that are formed during the combustion process. Benzo[a]pyrene is one such compound that is listed under cancer risk. Heavy Metals Elements like aluminium, iron, copper, and lead are heavily present in the engine. Additives Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDTP), calcium alkyl phenates, and magnesium sulfonates are highly poisonous to your liver and nervous system. Contaminants Apart from water, there are soot, carbon particles, and unburned fuel residues, which contribute to the oil’s toxicity. Health risks According to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a few dangers of engine oil in your body include: Cancer Most compounds in the oil are known carcinogens, which significantly increase the risk of skin, liver, and lung cancers. Neurological damage Tricresyl phosphates in the oil cause peripheral nervous system damage, which leads to neuromuscular issues. Reproductive harm Prolonged exposure to these additives causes reproductive toxicity and infertility. Organ damage Heavy metals and other contaminants accumulate in your organs, causing long-term damage that is irreversible. Respiratory system risks Chemical pneumonitis: inflammation and injury to lung tissue caused by oil entering the airways. What are the symptoms of fuel oil poisoning? According to doctors, a few symptoms of fuel oil poisoning in different parts of the body include: Loss of vision Pain in the throat Pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue Abdominal pain Blood in stool Diarrhoea Vomiting and nausea Low blood pressure Breathlessness Dizziness and drowsiness Burning sensation all over the body
