Is Linseed Oil Toxic? [A Complete Analysis]

Linseed oil is used as a great protector of wood and furniture. Linseed oil gives a natural grain which increases the beauty of the wood. So, no wonder you want to use it.

But is linseed oil toxic?

Linseed oil is not considered toxic. Instead, it’s considered food safe. This is unless it has been mixed with some chemical solvents. Pure or raw linseed oil is completely non-toxic and food safe. This type of linseed oil is used as a food supplement. 

Now, are you still not sure about the whole thing? Well, we’ve explained all the things in detail. 

So, just keep scrolling!

Is Linseed Oil Toxic?

The answer is simply NO! Pure or 100% linseed or flaxseed oil is nontoxic.

Linseed oil is totally safe to use as it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. A report from the MDSS shows linseed oil has no threats to human health.

But there’s a catch-

This is the case for certain types of linseed oil. Some oil types are non-toxic but some are toxic. Therefore, we’ve discussed 4 types of linseed oil in the next segment.

Linseed Oil Types and Their Toxicity/Non-toxicity

Usually, there are 4 types of linseed oil. And the toxicity varies from one type to the other. 

So, let’s talk about them and their toxic level- 

Raw Linseed Oil

This oil is the unprocessed version of linseed oil. It’s also known as Flaxseed oil. It contains no additive or artificial ingredients. Thus, you can easily understand it’s not toxic. 

Because of its non-toxicity raw linseed oil is used as a food supplement too. But this version takes a longer time to dry.  However, once dried, they give off a good finish like other versions. 

Boiled Linseed Oil

This version of linseed oil is converted from raw one to boiled one. But it’s not as it sounds.

To be specific, no boiling or heating is actually done here. Rather a minimum amount of metallic solvents are added to make it fast drying.

Solvents like Naptha, Cobalt, dipropylene glycol monomethyl, and manganese are found in it. These are added to minimize the drying time.

Usually, boiling changes the drying characteristics. But in the case of linseed oil, the opposite happens. It decreases the drying time and makes it more elastic.

So, is boiled linseed oil food safe?

Well, because of the addition of the solvents, this version is considered toxic. And it’s definitely not food safe. 

This linseed oil type is mostly used for wooden furniture or boats. And it’s not recommended to be used for kitchen wooden utensils.

Boiled linseed oil often comes in a package with a warning. So, it’s easier to understand before using it. 

Polymerized Linseed Oil

Polymerized linseed oil is a version that is produced by boiling. The raw oil is heated near 300 degrees Celsius for a couple of days.

It is done in an environment with no air. It is not like boiled linseed oil which is mixed with different chemical Solvents.

This creates a thick elastic version of the raw oil. It’s a natural way to minimize the drying time of raw linseed oil.

While making the oil a polymerization reaction is seen. This increases the oil viscosity and decreases the drying time.

It’s also known as “True boiled Linseed Oil” or “Stand Oil”. And it contains zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) making it non-toxic and food safe. 

Sun-thickened or Sun-bleached Linseed Oil

This is a processed version of linseed oil. Here the raw linseed is dried in the sun for a few months to thicken. It helps to increase the elasticity of the oil. 

It is also considered toxic. Furthermore, it might cause irritation if it comes in contact with the skin.

This oil is usually used by artists for their paintings.  

Linseed Oil: Edible or Not

Now, you’ve already got an idea about the toxicity of linseed oil. Along with that, you’ve also got the sneak peek regarding if it’s food safe. 

But let’s get to know in detail-

Raw linseed oil is completely edible. It works as a food supplement as it contains α-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). It is a nutritional food supplement.

Even in some parts of Europe, linseed oil with potatoes and quark is a traditional dish. It is considered a popular dish because of its flavorful taste. Simply put, linseed oil enriches the flavor and aroma of quarks, which are otherwise tasteless.

People also use linseed oil as a supplement to prevent different health problems. These health problems are-

• Constipation
• Diabetes 
• Heart diseases 
• High cholesterol and cancer and other problems. 

Lots of benefits, right?

But let’s get to one important thing-

Cooked linseed oil is toxic to humans. Because it is heated and treated with chemicals. The chemicals are used to minimize the drying elements increasing toxins in the oil. 

But not to worry, one has to consume a healthy amount to be toxic. Still, we should be careful and take expert suggestions before consuming it.  

FAQs

Conclusion

So, to sum up your query”is linseed oil toxic?”- not every kind is toxic. Rather pure linseed oil works as a nutrition supplement. We should check the labels before using them and ensure safety while using them. 

Furthermore, the toxic version has a toxicity level that depends on the tolerability of the user. If used with safety, linseed oil is a great choice.

So, that’s all! Good luck!