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The Effects of Oil Spills on Humans

The release of liquid petroleum into the environment due to human activity is called an oil spill. Ships transporting oil may begin to leak this substance due to human error, equipment failure or a natural disaster such as a hurricane. These spills can lead to air, water and land pollution, which can impact most areas of human life.

  1. Fishing Industry Harm

    • Oil spills can have a devastating impact on the commercial fishing industry. The oil can kill fish, leading to a decrease in the number of fish that can be caught. In addition, the risks of petroleum contamination of fish can lead to the closing of valuable fishing grounds. Since petroleum contaminants in the tissue of fish can adversely affect human health, government officials sometimes ban people from eating fish from these areas until health authorities declare these animals safe. Ships have difficulty navigating through the affected waters. The oil can damage boats and fishing gear.

    Food Chain Disruption

    • Oil contamination can disrupt local ecosystems for years. It affects land, structures, wildlife and the water supply itself. Oil may remain in the environment for years. In fact, oil has been detected in sediment 30 years after a spill, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report. Floating oil can enter the food chain by infecting the plankton and algae that fish feed on. Larger terrestrial animals may eat these contaminated fish. Humans might eat contaminated fish or animals. Oil contamination of the land and water leads to changes in population structures and species diversity. The population of animals that humans rely on for food may decrease, and local hunters will have less game.

    Health Effects

    • Petroleum can cause adverse health affects in humans. Volatile chemicals found in the petroleum can burn eyes and skin. They can also damage the sensitive membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. People come into contact with oil through inhalation, ingestion or touch. Workers cleaning up the oil spill are the most exposed to these risks. They may develop skin rashes from prolonged exposure to the oil. These workers must wear protective equipment such special clothing, goggles, respirators and gloves.

    Economic Effects

    • Oil spills are expensive to clean up. If the spill is large, the government may have to allocate money to pay for the cleanup, which would take funds away from other projects. In addition, oil spills can spread to the shoreline and disrupt the local economies of areas that rely on the tourist industry. Oil on the beaches might curtail recreational activities. A reduction in the number of tourists could affect many local businesses such as restaurants, hotels or boat rentals.

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