Oil Refining: A Major Us Air Pollution Concern?

Oil refineries are a major source of air pollution in the US, emitting hazardous and toxic air pollutants that are detrimental to the environment and human health. These pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems, congenital disabilities, and cancer. Studies have shown that people living near oil refineries have higher rates of cancer and other health issues, with refineries in the US regularly violating air pollution limits. With the expansion of oil production in the country, the debate over the potential health risks from emitted air pollutants has gained traction. As a result, the monitoring and regulation of petroleum refiners are expected to become stricter in the near future, with companies investing in control technologies and paying civil penalties.

Oil refining and air pollution health risks

Oil refining is a major source of air pollution in the United States, with hazardous and toxic air pollutants emitted that are detrimental to human health and the environment. The United States is the world's largest refiner of crude oil, with 126 active petroleum refineries as of January 2021, primarily producing gasoline, jet fuel, distillates, and lubricant base oils. These refineries emit toxic substances, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

The health risks associated with exposure to these pollutants are significant. According to the California government, living near a refinery increases the risk of asthma, cancers, birth defects, neurological damage, cardiovascular damage, difficulty breathing, and blood disorders. Even those living 10 miles away from a refinery are at a heightened risk of developing these health disorders. The impact is disproportionately felt by minority groups, who are often pushed to the frontlines due to poor city planning and wealth gaps. Latinos, for example, are 51% more likely to live in counties with unhealthy ozone levels, and nearly two million reside within a half-mile radius of oil and gas facilities.

The complex refining processes, involving high heat, high pressure, and a wide array of chemicals, are responsible for the emission of these toxic pollutants. High-temperature combustion processes, in particular, contribute significantly to air pollution. The use of fossil fuels in refining also produces carbon dioxide (CO2), the most abundant global warming pollutant, which, in turn, exacerbates the presence of ground-level ozone, a key contributor to global warming.

The health consequences of refinery pollution extend beyond those living in proximity to these facilities. Refinery workers themselves are subject to high rates of injuries and health risks due to accidents, malfunctions, and exposure to toxic chemicals. The adverse effects of refinery pollution on human health have been well-documented, and the mitigation of these impacts is crucial to protecting the health and well-being of communities and individuals affected by this toxic industry.

To address these health risks, there have been calls for transitioning to biofuels, such as using cooking oil, fats, greases, and soybean oils instead of crude oil. While this may be a step in the right direction, burning biofuels can still have negative health consequences, and the large land requirements and fossil fuel usage in their production present additional challenges. Nevertheless, with the increasing awareness of the health risks associated with oil refining, stricter monitoring and regulations for petroleum refiners are expected in the near future.

Air pollution from oil refining and global warming

Oil refineries are among the most toxic industries in the United States. The complex processes involved in refining crude oil result in the emission of numerous toxic pollutants. These include gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, high-temperature combustion processes release hazardous air pollutants like benzene, toluene, xylene, heavy metals, and organic compounds. These emissions contribute to air pollution, negatively impacting both the environment and human health. Communities near refineries are particularly vulnerable, experiencing higher rates of asthma and other respiratory issues.

The air pollution caused by oil refineries is a significant environmental challenge. Refinery emissions are a major source of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the industry being the third-largest global emitter of GHGs. From 2000 to 2021, refineries contributed approximately 34.1 gigatons of cumulative GHG emissions, with the United States being one of the top contributors. The combustion of fossil fuels, including refined oil products, produces carbon dioxide (CO2), the most abundant global warming pollutant.

Furthermore, there is a link between global warming and local pollution. Fossil fuel combustion not only produces CO2 but also local pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and VOCs. These local pollutants contribute to phenomena associated with global warming, such as violent storms and hurricanes. For instance, ground-level ozone, a product of NOx and VOCs reacting with sunlight, both traps heat in the atmosphere and increases in concentration due to higher temperatures caused by global warming.

To address these issues, emissions monitoring and control are crucial. Technologies like gas sensors and continuous emission measurement systems (CEMS) help detect leaks, ensure regulatory compliance, and enable quick decision-making to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, implementing low-carbon technologies in refineries can significantly reduce GHG emissions. Targeted policies aimed at super-emission contributors could also play a crucial role in mitigating global warming and local air pollution caused by oil refining processes.

In conclusion, air pollution from oil refining contributes to global warming through the emission of greenhouse gases and local pollutants. The complex and toxic nature of refining processes results in the release of various harmful substances, impacting both the environment and human health. Addressing these emissions through monitoring, regulatory compliance, and the adoption of low-carbon technologies is essential to mitigate their effects on global warming and local air quality.

Oil refining process and toxic emissions

Oil refineries are industrial facilities that have a significant environmental impact due to the emission of atmospheric pollutants, the production of toxic waste, and the intensive consumption of water and energy. The United States is the world's largest refiner of crude oil, with 126 active petroleum refineries as of January 2021. These refineries produce gasoline, jet fuel, distillates, lubricant base oils, and other products.

The oil refining process involves the use of high heat, high pressure, and a wide range of chemicals to separate crude oil into parts, remove corrosive sulfur compounds, and create new compounds. This process emits over a hundred substances, including toxic pollutants such as benzene, toluene, xylene, hexane, hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids, heavy metals (e.g., mercury, nickel, cadmium), and organic compounds like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. These emissions are released from equipment and storage leaks, accidental releases, and refining processes, especially high-temperature combustion processes.

The combustion of oil, coal, and gasoline during refining produces local pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These pollutants are detrimental to the environment and human health, causing respiratory problems, congenital disabilities, and even cancer. Increased levels of nitrous oxide (N2O) in the air combine with moisture to form acid rain, contributing to ecosystem degradation and climate change.

To address the environmental impact of oil refineries, strict environmental laws and regulations have been implemented globally. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified over 70 refineries with "High Priority Violations" of the Clean Air Act, resulting in significant penalties. Despite improvements in the sector, the emission of toxic substances into nearby communities remains a concern. Innovative refining processes are essential to minimize the environmental and health impacts of the over 800 toxic chemicals generated by refineries.

US oil refineries and air pollution violations

Oil refineries are among the most toxic industries in the United States. The complex refining processes, which involve high heat, high pressure, and a wide range of chemicals, emit numerous toxic pollutants. These include well-known toxins such as benzene, hydrofluoric acid, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, as well as heavy metals like mercury, nickel, and cadmium. The United States, being the world's largest crude oil refiner with 126 active petroleum refineries, faces significant challenges in managing the environmental and health impacts of these emissions.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified over 70 refineries with "High Priority Violations" of the Clean Air Act (CAA) in recent years. These violations have resulted in state and federal penalties ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. The EPA has also entered into settlements with several petroleum refiners, requiring them to invest in control technologies and pay civil penalties. For example, in 2025, a $425 million settlement was reached with subsidiaries of Tesoro Corp. and Par Hawaii Refining to address Clean Air Act violations and reduce air pollution at six refineries.

The health risks associated with refinery pollution are well-documented. Toxic emissions from refineries contribute to respiratory problems, congenital disabilities, and even cancer. The impact is particularly severe for those living and working near refineries, as they are constantly exposed to the foul air. Additionally, global warming pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced by fossil fuel combustion, which further exacerbates the issue.

To address these concerns, investors and regulatory bodies are increasingly focusing on the management of air pollutants by petroleum refiners. Sustainalytics' ESG Risk Ratings framework, for instance, helps investors evaluate companies' programs to reduce air pollutants. The EPA's Next Generation Compliance strategy also promotes the use of state-of-the-art technology to identify and reduce pollution. These efforts aim to protect communities from the harmful effects of toxic air emissions and mitigate the risks associated with air pollution.

While there have been improvements and efforts to reduce emissions, the impact of US oil refineries on air pollution remains a significant issue. The complexity of refining processes and the sheer number of refineries in the country contribute to the continued emission of hazardous substances. As a result, the monitoring and regulation of petroleum refiners are expected to become stricter, with a focus on mitigating both global and local pollution.

Cancer risks and proximity to oil refineries

Oil refineries emit many toxic pollutants, including benzene, toluene, xylene, hexane, hydrofluoric and sulfuric acids, heavy metals such as mercury, and organic compounds like formaldehyde. These pollutants are released from equipment and storage leaks, accidental discharges, and refining processes, especially high-temperature combustion. The United States is the world's largest refiner of crude oil, with 126 active petroleum refineries as of January 2021. These refineries are significant contributors to air, water, and soil pollution, and their proximity to residential areas poses health risks to nearby communities.

Several studies have examined the link between living near oil refineries and the risk of cancer. One study, focusing on Texas, a major hub for oil production and refining, used cancer data from 2001 to 2014 to investigate the association between proximity to refineries and cancer rates. The results indicated that individuals residing within 0-10 and 11-20 miles of an oil refinery had a significantly higher likelihood of being diagnosed with lymphoma compared to those living 21-30 miles away. Additionally, those within 0-10 miles were more prone to distant metastasis and systemic diseases.

Another study, examining data from 2010 to 2014, found similar results. It concluded that proximity to oil refineries was associated with a significantly increased risk of incident cancer diagnosis across all types. Specifically, those within 0-10 and 11-20 miles had a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer with distant metastasis. The study also observed a correlation between proximity and the stage of cancer at diagnosis, with more advanced cancers detected in individuals living closer to refineries.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has acknowledged the petrochemical industry's emissions as environmental carcinogens. This recognition underscores the potential health risks associated with the expansion of oil production and refining activities in the United States. While the level of hazardous air pollutants emitted by U.S. refineries has generally decreased, they continue to pose health risks, and the EPA has identified over 70 refineries with "High Priority Violations" of the Clean Air Act.

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