Liquid paraffin is used to treat gastrointestinal problems
It is an odorless, colorless oil with a variety of uses. In some cases paraffin oil and mineral oil are synonymous terms. In other cases, there are subtle, often undetectable differences in composition and nature that can only be identified by careful and detailed analysis of both.
Liquid paraffin oil is a mineral oil, a by-product of crude distillation. It is a clear, colorless, odorless, tasteless oil, mainly composed of high boiling alkane derivatives. Liquid paraffin (high boiling point mineral oil) is a mixture of high molecular weight alkane derivatives known by many names, including nujol, adepsine oil, alboline, glymol, medicinal paraffin or saxol. Its density is about 0.8 grams per cubic centimeter. It is insoluble in water and is known to have low reactivity. In modern times, paraffin oil and paraffin have a wide range of industrial, medical and cosmetic uses. Liquid paraffin oil usually comes in two forms, high boiling liquid paraffin oil and low boiling liquid paraffin oil.
Keeping in mind that there are high boiling point paraffin oils and high boiling point paraffin oils (kerosene range), liquid paraffin oils have many applications - from making candles to producing cosmetics or beauty products. Some of the most notable uses of liquid paraffin oil are
Liquid paraffin is used to treat gastrointestinal problems. It passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed into the body. In the food industry, paraffin oil can be referred to as wax, which can be used as a lubricant for mechanical stirring, used in baking tins to ensure easy release of bread when cooked, and sold as a coating on fruit or other products that require a "shiny" appearance.
Paraffin oil (boiling in the kerosene boiling range) can pose some health hazards, especially if inhaled or ingested and due to repeated or prolonged skin exposure. Inhalation of paraffin oil can irritate the airways, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and occasionally hydrocarbon pneumonia. On the other hand, prolonged exposure of the skin to this oil can cause skin irritation, which can lead to contact dermatitis, especially in those who already have skin disorders or diseases. Ingestion of paraffin oil can cause intestinal disorders.
