While the transportation and drilling of oil cause problems themselves, the burning of the oil itself can create huge environmental problems. Individuals drive their cars and fly in their planes unaware of the pollutants they are putting into the environment. Such examples include the infiltration of ozone into breathed air, acid rain and global warning. How do these by products of burning oil affect you?

The Bad Ozone

Basically, there is “bad” ozone and “good” ozone. The ozone that is bad is that generated by exhaust emissions on especially hot and humid days. Good ozone is the protective layer that exists high up in the atmosphere. The exhaust from vehicle emissions and gas vapors create much NOx and VOC which are “ozone precursors.” So what does this presence of ozone pollution mean to you and your family?

When you are exposed to ozone there are a number of health effects that may follow. These include congestion, chest pains and coughing, but those are some of the more mild symptoms. Your lung capacity could be temporarily or even permanently damaged and you may suffer from bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and heart disease. Many health professionals claim that even healthy individuals can suffer when exposed consistently to a high ozone area.

More Harmful Effects

Still, there is more negative fallout from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil. One such example is acid rain. As the name suggests, acid rain is a more acidic rain than normal. The burning of these fuels creates sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides in the air and when they merge with the moisture, acid rain is created. And what does this acid do? It penetrates the rivers, lakes and streams and can kill plants, fish and wildlife in the surrounding areas. Also, there is the structural damage that takes place as a result of the constant acid beating on buildings, statues and other structures. Concrete, brick and other building substances are literally eaten away.

Global warming is another concern in the issue surrounding the burning of oil. When oil and gasoline are burned, carbon dioxide is the resulting by product that is put into the air. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, and the planet becomes hotter. The trapping of heat can create a huge change in climate, which can seriously affect wildlife and ecosystems around the world.