Hot oil is typical. The fluid can attack one of the seal components, especially the elastomer. All chemicals have the potential for corroding a seal component. It is just a mater of time. Color contamination problems as the carbon wears.
Slurries clog up the sliding seal components and open the faces.
Cryogenic fluids can attack some carbon faces and most elastomers. High temperature fluids attack elastomers and change the state of the fluid you are sealing. Some fluids can cause the formation of ice outboard the seal, restricting seal movement as the face wears. Agitation can cause some fluids to change their viscosity. Cleaners or solvents are attacking a seal component.