The 10 Toxic Substances from the Fossil Fuel Industry

Nowadays, it’s no secret that fossil fuels produce many toxic substances. There are plenty of reasons to stop using them now after two centuries of reliance.

Besides powering various sectors, fossil fuels also contribute to wars, political unrest, human rights violations, environmental damage, and diseases. But perhaps the biggest issue is their role in climate change, one of the most urgent global crises.

This article lists the ten most toxic substances in the fossil fuel industry, though there are many more. Oil, coal, and gas use hundreds, if not thousands, of chemicals, many of which are harmful to health.

1. Benzene

Used as a solvent in oil, coal, and methane processing, benzene is found in many petrochemical products. It’s a known carcinogen, causing leukemia, breast, and urogenital tumors. It also affects blood cell production and may cause sperm abnormalities. For instance, military personnel at Camp Lejeune in California drank benzene-contaminated water unknowingly for three decades, resulting in tumors and genetic malformations.

2. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a toxic gas with a sharp, burnt matchstick-like odor. It creates harmful particulate matter and sulfuric acid when mixed with water vapor. India, Russia, and China are the biggest emitters, largely from coal-related activities. SO2 irritates eyes, worsens respiratory conditions, and contributes to acid rain, harming ecosystems and corroding structures.

3. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen oxides, like nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are produced during combustion from fuel and air. They harm health and the environment, causing respiratory issues, damaging vegetation, and contributing to acidification. They also play a role in forming harmful particulate matter and ground-level ozone, known for their negative effects.

4.  Petroleum Coke (Pet Coke)

Pet coke is a waste product from refining petroleum and oil sands. It looks similar to coal but contains harmful chemicals and heavy metals like chromium and vanadium. Despite its hazards, places like cement and power plants use it as cheap fuel.

5. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, primarily causes leukemia and occasionally Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It also triggers allergies and genetic damage, leading to increased rates of birth defects, low birth weight, and infertility. It’s commonly used in fracking, the process of releasing trapped methane gas in wells by fracturing rock and clay underground with pressurized water and chemicals. 

6. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

PAHs are harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, genetic mutations, and prenatal issues. Babies exposed to PAHs often suffer from asthma, low birth weight, heart defects, and genetic damage. A 2012 study found a strong link between prenatal PAH exposure and childhood depression. 

7. Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) / Hydrogen Fluoride

Hydrofluoric acid is one of the most toxic substances, causing immediate lung damage if inhaled and chronic lung diseases. It’s also harmful to the skin, penetrating deep tissue and altering cell structure. Used in drilling muds for oil and gas wells, including fracking, it’s also found in refineries, posing health risks to workers and nearby residents.

8. Mercury

Mercury is mainly found in emissions from coal-fired power plants and poses serious risks, especially to pregnant women and children.  Even small doses can delay child development, while high prenatal exposure can cause severe issues like paralysis and deafness. In adults, it reduces fertility, affects blood pressure, and causes memory loss and numbness in fingers and toes.

9. Radon

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas. It is radioactive and can cause lung cancer. It’s often found in shale gas fracking operations, where it can seep into pipelines. Even in small amounts, it could end up in homes through methane networks, posing a serious health risk indoors where air circulation is limited. 

10. Silica (SiliconDust/Fracking Sand)

Silica is widely used in fracking. Prolonged inhalation can lead to silicosis and lung fibrosis. Many national health services have guidelines on silica exposure, applicable not only to the hydrocarbon industry but also to quarries, steel, metallurgy, and mechanical industries.