When significant deposits of oil were discovered in the 19th Century, this fossil fuel appeared to offer a limitless source of energy to drive development. While oil and the energy it supplies provide multiple benefits to human society, every stage in the life cycle from exploration to use can have harmful effects on our health and the environment. This re p o rt examines the health and environmental impacts of oil exploration, drilling, extraction, transport, refining and combustion.
Drilling and extraction carry acute and chronic hazards, including fires and blowouts, occupational injury and disease, and can lead to long-term harm to plant and animal communities. Oil spills and leaks along coastlines pose risks for marine life and fisheries, and can threaten the livelihoods of human communities. Refining exposes workers and wildlife to petroleum, its by product sand the chemicals used in the refining process. At the pump, gasoline can be both toxic and carcinogenic.