Hazards to the Environment

Released into the environment, it can cause soil, water, and air pollution with effects that last for many years:

• In soil, it can damage vegetation or harm people and animals that come into contact with it; it can leach into the water table and pollute drinking water sources.
• In the ocean, it can harm or kill marine life, birds, and aquatic mammals. In inland waterways, it can harm or kill animals that rely on the water for drinking and or food. In either case, it can also harm people that come into contact with it.
• Some crude oil components can evaporate into the air and cause respiratory hazards to living creatures, and contribute to air pollution in general. Or, smoke from burning oil can cause similar problems.

To learn more about Crude Oil Hazards visit our Crude Oil Hazards Online Training web page.