Petrochemicals
What are petrochemicals?
Petrochemical products are manufactured from crude oil, fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, or from renewable sources such as corn, sugar cane, and other types of biomass.
What are their applications?
Petrochemicals are divided into olefins and aromatics. Products obtained from olefins include PE and PP plastics, detergents, food packaging, pharmaceuticals, kitchen utensils, fuels and chewing gum. Aromatic compounds include benzene, toluene and xylene, from which polystyrene, synthetic resins and polyester are made. They are also used in the production of electronics, coatings, sports equipment and textiles.
What are the impacts on health?
Emissions from power plants, factories and vehicles from fossil fuels are the main sources of air pollution. For instance, PM2.5 particles result from the burning of fossil fuels, which are very small particles that can penetrate deep into our lungs. Air pollution can affect neurological development, cause asthma, among other respiratory diseases, and can even cause death.
What are the impacts on environment?
Oil spills can cause severe environmental problems. When oil accumulates in surface waters, it causes environmental damage such as the poisoning of flora and fauna, the mutation of animal and plant species, as well as the breaking of food chains. For instance, large oil spills in the oceans are responsible for the death of many animals (birds and fish) by suffocation. Furthermore, the combustion of fossil fuels generates emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other gases that contribute to and increase the greenhouse effect, acid rain, air, soil and water pollution. Fossil fuels are the main driver of climate change.