Oil Drilling

Oil Drilling

By: Priscilla Velez

What is Oil?

Oil, also known as petroleum, is a fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are deposits of organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which have been left behind by the decay of plants and animals. Oil has a largely significant role in our lives, as it is used to support many aspects of life. Oil, when refined, produces products such as gasoline, oil fuel, jet fuel, and kerosene. Furthermore, by-products of oil are used to produce materials such as clothing, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving cream, and much more. The following link includes a more in-depth list of products that oil is used for: http://alaska.conocophillips.com/what-we-do/oil-production/Pages/what-is-oil-used-for.aspx

The Effects of Oil Drilling:

Oil drilling is the process by which oil is extracted from the ground so it could be used to support the production of the products mentioned earlier. Oil drilling itself is quite a dangerous process, as it disrupts both the natural environment and wildlife.

1. Disruption of Wildlife: The vehicle traffic and noise pollution caused by the process of oil drilling disrupts the habitats of animals, and consequently affects the breeding and nesting seasons of animals. Communication between animals may also be disrupted.

2. Oil Spills: Even though an oil-drilling company may do its best to maintain its oil drilling site to prevent the possibility of an oil spill, an oil spill is still much likely to occur (and is rather unpreventable). Oil, when spilled, may affect wildlife when it makes direct contact or is inhaled/ingested. Oil can trap an animal, preventing it from movement. Oil damages animal organs such as the liver or brain. Furthermore, oil can cause cancer and reproductive failure in animals. When oil is spilled, it may also end up in a waterway, such as lake, and consequently cause contamination. This is especially toxic for local wildlife and indigenous tribes.

3. Release of Toxic Chemicals: Oil drilling releases toxic chemicals such as cadmium, mercury, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), lead, and chromate. These toxic chemicals can be released either into bodies of water or into the air. In either case, these toxic chemicals have an adverse effect of health for all living organisms.

4. Change in Landscape: The activities used to extract oil drastically and negatively alter landscapes. Previous vegetation may be entirely destroyed. Oil drilling also causes an increase in erosion, making floods and landscapes much more likely to occur. A change in landscape will also destroy habitats for wildlife.