Liquid paraffin, also referred to as mineral oil, has a wide range of uses. There is medicinal-high quality liquid paraffin and industrial liquid paraffin. Liquid paraffin is carefully associated to kerosene, which is a fuel, so the 2 should not be mixed. Liquid paraffin generally is a helpful product, however care ought to at all times be taken.
Description
Liquid paraffin is a mixture of hydrocarbons. It is obtained by the petroleum distillation process. It is the , mild fraction of the distillation course of and it may be further purified. It is also known as adepsine oil, glymol, saxol and Vaseline oil.
Bodily Properties
Liquid paraffin is an oily, transparent, colorless liquid. At room temperature it’s odorless and tasteless. However, when heated it does have a barely unpleasant petroleum smell. It doesn’t dissolve in water, glycerol or chilly ethanol. It does dissolve in benzene, ether, chloroform and sizzling ethanol. It has a density of zero.8 gm/cm3.
Medicinal Properties
Liquid paraffin, as mineral oil, is usually used to deal with constipation. The benefit is that it acts as a stool lubricant and decreases the amount of water removed from stool, and the oil itself will not be absorbed into the gastrointestinal system. However, it ought to only be used underneath a physician’s supervision, as overuse can result in deficiencies in vitamins E, D, A and K.
Liquid paraffin can be used to help treat cradle cap in infants. Cradle cap is a condition leading to dry scaly skin, mostly discovered on the pinnacle. When shampooing isn’t effective in eradicating the scaly skin, apply liquid paraffin to the scalp area and then wrap in warm cloths.
Liquid paraffin will also be used to ease inflammation attributable to diaper rash or irritation on account of eczema, and to soften hardened ear wax.
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Liquid paraffin can be used as a non-conductive coolant in electrical techniques, akin to in transformers. It can be used as a hydraulic fluid in varied types of equipment. It can be utilized as a lubricant and was commonly used in the textiles industry, however has been replaced with different sorts of oils since it doesn’t biodegrade as simply.
For many who work with abrasive supplies, comparable to cements, tars and industrial paints, liquid paraffin can be utilized to clean palms. Solvents such as turpentine needs to be averted as they are irritating to the pores and skin, however liquid paraffin will not irritate the pores and skin.
Cautions
Liquid paraffin has the ability to trigger a condition often called hydrocarbon pneumonitis, which outcomes when the substance is aspirated into the lungs. That is most commonly seen in hearth-eating performers. They use liquid paraffin to coat their mouths, however when inhaled the compound spreads rapidly via the bronchial tree, activating macrophages (cells of the immune system) and subsequently causing inflammation. So though there are medicinal functions for liquid paraffin, it will probably nonetheless be harmful if misused.
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References
Chemical Properties
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Constipation
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