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Govt warns against use of transformer oil lubricant
2008-02-15 09:40:28
By Angel Navuri, Dodoma
Unrecommended use of oil lubricant from power transformers is prone to cause health hazards and people should never dare do that, the government has warned.
The remarks were made in the National Assembly yesterday by Health and Social Welfare deputy minister Dr Aisha Kigoda when responding to a question from Mgeni Kadika (Special Seats) who needed clarification on reports that people allegedly used the lubricant for frying chips.
Kigoda said anyone taking the lubricant in the form of food or body lotion or skin bleaching would definitely experience health complications ranging from diarrhea, vomiting, cancer, abdominal pains, skin diseases and liver ailment.
``The government decided to conduct research taking samples of transformer oil said to have been stolen and used for domestic purposes as cooking oil. It is dangerous and people should avoid it,`` she clarified.
She said that transformer oil was specifically for cooling down high-tension electric cables and also to prevent rusting of wires and never for domestic use.
There have been reports from different parts of the country that people have experienced power blackouts as transformers blew up after some unscrupulous people drained them of the lubricant disappeared with it.
Also the reports further maintained that among potential customers of the lubricant were hair saloon operators who used it as a cosmetic.
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