Oil refineries 513
Oil Refineries
Oil refineries are factories where oil is made into gasoline and other fuels, and
into materials such as asphalt and plastic. Oil refineries are a major source
of air pollution for people who live near them and work at them. Chemicals in
and around refineries cause cancer, reproductive harm, breathing problems
such as asthma and emphysema, and birth defects, as well as other health
problems such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and stress. Refineries are also
a major source of the gases that cause global warming.
Making refineries safer
Refineries do not have to cause such terrible health problems. Pollution could
be prevented if oil companies would do all they could to prevent accidents and
contain toxic gases and liquids at all stages of the refining process. If you and
your community are working to make a refinery safer, your campaign might
focus on some of these ideas:
Air pollution monitoring can identify problems and stop emergencies before
they happen. The companies should monitor the air and respond to problems
immediately. If they will not monitor pollution, communities can (see pages 455
to 457).
Gas flares can be replaced with safer
methods, such as recovering the
gases for reuse (see page 511).
Tanks used to store crude
oil, gasoline, and other
substances sometimes release
toxic fumes when they are
filled, emptied, or cleaned.
These fumes can be contained
with better equipment and
procedures. Tanks and valves must
be inspected and repaired regularly to
prevent leaks into the air and the groundwater.
Tankers and barges filled with oil and gasoline release fumes into the air and
leak liquids into water. Safety systems should be used at all times to prevent
spills and toxic fumes. Tankers should have double- or triple-lined hulls to
prevent spills.
Wastewater containing toxic chemicals often spills or leaks into groundwater. By
building and maintaining wastewater systems, these problems can be avoided.
Dirty crude oil makes more waste and pollutes air and water, especially if a
refinery was built to process cleaner, lighter forms of oil. Refining cleaner oil
results in less pollution.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012