| Is our reliance on domestic oil causing cancer? |
| Sunday, 21 September 2008 12:01 |
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There is another issue associated with U.S. oil refinery use, however, and that is the threat of exposure to asbestos, which is more than likely found in each of the 150 domestic refineries. Previous asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that has no cure and affects thousands of Americans each year. All U.S. refineries were built prior to the advent of asbestos usage regulations by the government in the 1980s, and at that time asbestos-containing construction products were widely used. Because asbestos is such an adept insulator, it was used in the development of insulation, which was used to line the extensive piping found in every refinery. Asbestos is not harmful to human health unless it is damaged and becomes airborne, which can occur in a variety of ways. Aging and corroding asbestos insulation in refineries, for instance, may release extremely tiny asbestos fibers into the air, putting oil refinery workers at risk of inhalation. Damage to asbestos-containing products can occur in a more dramatic fashion as well during a fire or an explosion (such as the two separate oil refinery explosions in Texas in 2005 and 2007). If airborne asbestos fibers or dust are inhaled, the consequences can be devastating. The claw-like structure of the fibers allows them to cling to the pleural lining of the lungs for decades before an individual may begin to experience common mesothelioma cancer symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and fluid within the lung cavity. Oil refinery workers certainly face a heightened risk of exposure to this harmful toxin, but they are not the only individuals who should be concerned. Asbestos dust and fibers can be transferred to various other locations via wind currents, and if a fire or explosion occurs, residents who live near the damaged refinery are also at risk of inhalation, including very young children. Due to the latency period of mesothelioma, individuals generally are not diagnosed for 20 to 50 years after their initial asbestos exposure, and the vast majority of mesothelioma sufferers will lose their battle with this aggressive disease in less than 2 years following diagnosis. There are mesothelioma treatment options, but there is presently no cure. Clearly, our dependence on domestic oil presents a plethora of issues. Our current fuel use is not only harmful for our environment, but it is also a serious human health issue. Now is the time to consider alternative sources of energy and fuel, such as the use of solar panels and ethanol, in an effort to sustain our environment and safeguard our health. For further information regarding the environmental and health effects of U.S. oil refineries, please visit www.maacenter.org.
(3 Votes) |
The U.S. is home to 150 operational on-shore oil refineries, all of which produce vast amounts of oil each year for domestic use. Along with fuel production we see the inevitable production of air and water pollutants and the debate over whether or not it will be beneficial to consider alternative sources of energy and fuel.