Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons: What are they?
Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds containing hydrogen and carbon. Fuels such as gas, diesel, and oil are common hydrocarbons. These unburned fuel vapours are emitted into our atmosphere daily, making them the number one source of air pollution. When exposed to sunlight, a chemical reaction takes place that produces ground level ozone (a.k.a smog) which is extremely harmful to our health and our environment.
Effects: Health
Ground level ozone is linked to the following medical conditions: Eye irritation, lung damage, respiratory problems, cancer, asphyxiation, narcosis (depression of the central nervous system which leads to anaesthesia), cardiac arrest, chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary oedema.
Effects: Environment
The list of impacts hydrocarbons have on the environment is endless. Ground level ozone, acid rain, greenhouse gases resulting in the depleation of our ozone layer, contaminated water supplies, and the disminishment of economical industries such as fishing and tourism are just a few of the direct results of hydrocarbon pollution. However, it is our wildlife that is hardest hit, facing habitat loss and widespread death largely due to oilspills and water contamination. This in turn effects us, as one species relies on the next to continue in the web of life.
A Harsh Reality
The conciquences of hydrocarbon pollution have been widely seen in the aquatic world: it smothers benthic organisms (clams, oysters, worms) and coats birds, causing a loss of down insulation and hypothermia. This leads to loss of buoyancy, causing them to sink and drown. Whales' filter feeds and baleens become clogged with tar, and sharks have been found in Caribbean with teeth plastered with oil. Hydrocarbons also block sex and homing stimuli in many fish, leading to endangerment. Numerous strands of vegetation, both aquatic and terrestrial, have been severely endangered or completely wiped out due to oil spills which block their ability to germinate. Hydrocarbon pollution is killing the plants and creatures of this world, and losing many resources as a result.
Solution:
Despite what you may have heard, hydrocarbon pollution cleanup is not a lost cause. There are many large scale projects in motion, but it's not enough. Believe it or not, individual pollution is a larger contributor to the problem than the large oil spills everyone hears about. The good news? Fixing this problem begins with you! Firstly, the most obvious and easiest way to lower hydrocarbon pollution is to drive less. Less emissions means less pollution. Take good care of your car as well, adhering to regular maintenance. It's the drips and drops in our parking lots and driveways that are the biggest culprits. Oil is in everything, so try to get away from harmful products such as typical household cleaners and switch over to an eco-friendly brand such as Oil Lift .