Oil Pollution: Air Quality Impact And Health Risks

Oil pollution in the air is a pressing issue, with serious health consequences. Oil spills, gas leaks, and the combustion of oil and gas products can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere, including benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can have both short-term and long-term effects on human health, including dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of cancer. Oil and gas development activities, such as drilling and fracking, can also contaminate the air, affecting nearby residents and natural habitats. Furthermore, the combustion of oil and gas in power plants, vehicles, and industrial processes contributes to air pollution, with impacts extending beyond the immediate vicinity. Strategies focusing on end-of-pipe pollution controls are only a partial solution, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to mitigate the adverse effects of oil pollution on human health and the environment.

Oil spills

When oil is spilled into the environment, it releases VOCs and particulates that degrade air quality. These pollutants include nitrogen oxides, benzene, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. Under sunlight, VOCs can react with nitrogen oxides to produce ground-level ozone, or smog, which is harmful to human health. The oily mists and toxic vapours released during an oil spill can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, causing dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues.

The impact of oil spills on air pollution is complex and varies depending on the type of oil and the size of the spill. Large spills can significantly increase local airborne pollutants for days or even weeks. Oil spills often occur near bodies of water, and the combustion of oil on the water surface can release additional air pollutants.

During an oil spill, responders deploy sensors to monitor air quality and identify nearby communities that may be impacted. They use weather reports to predict the movement of smoke and chemical vapours, and adjust their plans to detect suspected hazardous gases. The data collected by these sensors is averaged over time to advise authorities on strategies to protect the public, such as recommending that people shelter in place or avoid specific areas.

Clean-up efforts after an oil spill must consider the potential for additional environmental harm. For example, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, it was found that high-pressure, hot-water hoses used to clean up beaches caused more damage than the oil alone. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 established that those responsible for oil spills are liable for the costs of clean-up and restoration, with federal, state, and tribal agencies working together to select appropriate restoration projects.

Oil drilling and production

One of the significant impacts of oil drilling and production on air pollution is the release of toxic particulate matter, known as PM2.5. Research has shown that when a new well is drilled or reaches 100 barrels of production per day, the PM2.5 levels increase by two micrograms per cubic meter about a mile away from the site. This increase in PM2.5 has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of preterm birth, asthma, and heart disease, and even a higher risk of death from COVID-19.

Another way that oil drilling and production contribute to air pollution is through the use of diesel-powered or gasoline engines in drilling, completion, and workover trucks, rigs, and equipment. The exhaust fumes from these engines produce emissions that are noticeable to people living downwind. These emissions include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), formaldehyde, metals, and other toxic pollutants.

Furthermore, the infrastructure built for oil and gas extraction can also impact air quality. The construction of roads, facilities, and drilling sites can destroy large areas of wilderness and vegetation. This disruption can lead to an increase in dust and other airborne particles, contributing to air pollution. Additionally, the use of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" in oil production has been associated with increased pollution levels. Fracturing rock requires large amounts of water and the use of potentially hazardous chemicals, which can contaminate wastewater and lead to air pollution if not properly treated and disposed of.

The impact of oil drilling and production on air pollution is not limited to the immediate vicinity of the wells. A study by Stanford researchers found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells in California, indicating a potential impact on a larger scale. This finding aligns with reports from other regions, such as Texas, where drilling near schools and homes has released toxic fumes, and the Northeast, where drilling has threatened to undermine progress in reducing air pollution.

To address the air pollution caused by oil drilling and production, there have been efforts to implement new technologies and regulations. For example, the use of mobile and smaller drilling rigs, horizontal and directional drilling, and improved leak detection and control systems can help reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, updated federal regulations and air quality standards are being proposed to better control air pollution from fracked wells and other sources, tighten controls on cancer-causing emissions, and strengthen standards for natural gas processing plants.

Fugitive emissions

The majority of fugitive emissions are caused by the loss of well integrity due to poorly sealed well casings, which allow gas to escape through the well (surface casing vent flow) or via lateral migration (gas migration). Imperfect seals and deteriorating cement in wellbores can also lead to methane leakage in unconventional oil and gas wells. Leaks can also occur during transportation, storage, and distribution activities, as well as from equipment failures or earth disturbances in decommissioned facilities.

To address fugitive emissions, some regions, such as British Columbia, have implemented policies requiring the testing of wells during drilling. However, even with such measures, a significant number of wells still experience leakage problems. The development and deployment of satellite monitoring systems can aid in identifying the largest emitters, but more comprehensive strategies are needed to address the health and environmental impacts of fugitive emissions across the full life cycle of the oil and gas industry.

The health impacts of fugitive emissions from the oil and gas sector are significant, including respiratory issues, childhood asthma, and even early deaths. Exposure to pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde near oil and gas wells has been linked to cancer and other adverse health effects. Strategies focusing on end-of-pipe pollution controls may only address part of the problem, highlighting the need for policies that incorporate health impacts across the entire life cycle of oil and gas extraction, production, and combustion.

Oil combustion

One of the primary sources of oil combustion is motor vehicles and other gasoline or diesel engines. These engines emit pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter. The release of these pollutants contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog, which is harmful to human health and the environment.

Additionally, oil combustion in power plants, buildings, and industrial processes also contributes to air pollution. The burning of fuel in these sectors emits similar pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide. These emissions can have detrimental effects on air quality and human health, particularly for individuals residing in proximity to these facilities.

Furthermore, the combustion of oil and gas can release toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene. These chemicals are known to have harmful effects on human health, including dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues, and even long-term consequences such as cancer. The impact of exposure to these toxins can vary depending on their concentration, volume, and the combination of chemicals released.

It is important to recognize that the health impacts of oil combustion are not limited to the immediate vicinity of combustion sources. Air pollutants can be transported through the air over long distances, affecting nearby neighbourhoods and even crossing state boundaries. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies and regional coordination to address the health and environmental consequences of oil combustion-related air pollution effectively.

Oil transportation

The process of transporting oil can release toxic air pollutants, including methane (CH4), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, and drive climate change. Oil spills and leaks during transportation are also common and challenging to clean up, further polluting the air with toxic hydrocarbons and reactive organic compounds.

To reduce the environmental impact of oil transportation, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented national programs and standards for fuels and vehicles. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, for example, provides funding to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, while the Clean School Bus Program replaces existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. The EPA has also designated coastal areas of North America as an Emission Control Area (ECA), enforcing stricter emissions and fuel standards for large ocean-going vessels.

Additionally, technological advancements have helped to minimise the environmental impact of oil transportation. For instance, the use of horizontal and directional drilling has reduced the number of wells needed to extract oil, minimising the affected area. Double-hull standards for oil tankers, implemented by the International Maritime Organization in 1992, have significantly reduced the amount of oil spilled from ships.

Despite these efforts, the transportation of oil continues to contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change. To effectively combat this issue, a transition to renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is necessary.

Frequently asked questions