The Health Effects of Fossil Fuels
Recent studies have looked at the growing concerns around the health effects of chemicals derived from fossil fuels, referred to as petrochemicals. Many of these are now known to be endocrine disruptors and are found in bottles, clothes, furniture and much more. Studies have found the rising use of petrochemicals coincided over time with increasing rates of various illnesses, including diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The studies listed several other health concerns which are attributed to petrochemical exposure. The risk of developing these conditions seemed to be greater for a person living in close proximity to petrochemical plants, which the report pointed out are often situated in working class neighbourhoods.
It is an interesting study, and although we must be careful to not take this as proof of causation, it does support the argument for reducing and controlling petrochemical use including plastic production. When it comes to such regulation of industries, there is a sort of tunnel vision for immediate and direct economic benefits which often ignores the indirect costs. In this case there are very significant economic costs caused by health impacts through the production and use of plastics and fossil fuels.
We need a greater focus on the indirect costs of allowing industries to produce products which may be damaging to human health.
#petrochemicals #healthcosts #pollution
Published by Daily Climate | 8 March 2024