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The use of whale oil saw a steady decline starting in the late 19th century due to the development of superior alternatives and, later, the passing of environmental laws. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission declared a moratorium on commercial whaling, which has all but halted the use of whale oil today. The Inuits of North America are granted special whaling rights (justified as being integral to their culture), and they still use whale oil as a food and as lamp oil.
Whale oil was used to make soap.
Whale oil was widely used in oil lamps. Sperm oil was particularly prized for this, as it burned more brightly and cleanly and gave off no foul odor. It was replaced in the late 19th century by cheaper, more efficient kerosene and, later, the electric bulb.
In the US, whale oil was used in cars as an automatic transmission fluid until it was banned by the Endangered Species Act.
Sperm oil was a popular lubricant. It worked well for fine, light machinery because it was thin and didn't congeal in cold weather (if winter-strained), and in heavy machinery such as locomotives and steam-powered looms because it could withstand high temperatures.
Because of its very low freezing point, sperm oil saw widespread use in the aerospace industry.
After the invention of hydrogenation in the early 20th century, whale oil was used to make margarine, but has since been replaced by vegetable oils.
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