Johannesburg – The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment has warned the public against applying transformer oil or any other electrical equipment oil to the body.
The department also stated that transformer oil should not be used for any other non-industrial purpose.
“Such oils may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – toxic chemicals that pose serious risks to human health and the environment,” the department explained in a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Friday, 23 January 2026.
PCBs are a group of man-made organic chemicals that were largely manufactured between 1929 and 1989 and were widely used as coolants in oil-containing electrical equipment (such as electric transformers and capacitors), hydraulic systems, and other industrial applications.
PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment by energy-intensive sectors such as mining, paper and pulp, power generation and distribution (e.g., power utilities and municipalities), chemicals, etc.
“During engagements with municipalities since 2024, the department noted dangerous misconceptions in some communities, including the belief that transformer oil can be used for treating conditions such as rheumatic arthritis,” the statement said.
“This has led to requests being made to municipal officials for access to transformer oil – some of which can be contaminated with PCBs.
“The DFFE strongly warns against this practice and calls on municipal officials to refrain from supplying transformer oil to members of the public.”
The department said PCBs were among the 12 chemicals that were initially listed by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
The Convention entered into force in 2004, and it obliges countries to eliminate the use of PCBs by 2025 and to make efforts that lead to the environmentally sound management of PCB wastes (waste liquids and equipment) by 2028.
Although their production was banned in many countries decades ago due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment, PCBs remain a persistent threat, especially in older equipment and contaminated sites.
South Africa, as a party to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, is committed to protecting the health of its citizens and the environment by phasing out the use of PCBs.
“Transformer oil from older electrical equipment may still contain these toxic chemicals,” the department warned.
“Studies have shown that PCBs have the potential to cause a variety of adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
“They are considered possible human carcinogens and are linked to various health issues, including immune, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine system problems.”
Noting the impacts caused by PCBs and their misuse, the department recognised a need to conduct an awareness-raising initiative on PCBs, to conscientise the public about the risks associated with PCBs and the urgent need for their safe identification, handling, and elimination.
In 2014, South Africa gazetted the Regulations to phase out the use of PCBs and PCB-contaminated materials (PCB Regulations).
The purpose of this is to prescribe requirements to phase out the use of PCB materials and PCB-contaminated materials.
These Regulations enabled the country to move towards the phasing out of PCB materials as sectors of relevance made strides and put efforts towards the phase-out targets of the country.
Sectors of relevance refer to sectors that historically used and managed PCBs or PCB-contaminated equipment, including the electricity sectors (e.g., Eskom), transport (e.g., Transnet), mining, manufacturing, refinery, and steel.
“Currently, the country is implementing a project to support municipalities in eliminating the use of PCBs in their equipment,” the department said.
“This is aimed at ensuring the country’s compliance with the 2025 deadline set by the Convention.”
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