Energy supplier RPA Energy is dedicated to improving access to clean energy sources. RPA Energy advocates for pivoting from fossil fuels to renewable fuels for sustainability and environmental health.
In addition to raising global temperatures and negatively impacting the planet, fossil fuels can have a detrimental effect on human health. Some of the biggest consequences of fossil fuel use on human health include the following:
Air pollution: Processed fossil fuels used by vehicles and in many manufacturing procedures produce fine particulates that are harmful when inhaled. In the United States alone, air pollution causes more than 100,000 premature deaths every year.
Oil spills: Oil accidents can cause tons of chemicals to enter the environment through waterways and soil. People exposed to oil spills during the clean up can develop skin and pulmonary conditions. Long-term health effects such as higher cancer rates have been observed in populations living near oil spill sites.
CO2 levels: Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. Humans exposed to air with CO2 levels of 1,000 parts per million for as little as one hour can develop health issues affecting the organs and brain. Without proper mitigation, most industrialized areas will have outdoor CO2 levels exceeding this threshold by the next century.
In addition to raising global temperatures and negatively impacting the planet, fossil fuels can have a detrimental effect on human health. Some of the biggest consequences of fossil fuel use on human health include the following:
Air pollution: Processed fossil fuels used by vehicles and in many manufacturing procedures produce fine particulates that are harmful when inhaled. In the United States alone, air pollution causes more than 100,000 premature deaths every year.
Oil spills: Oil accidents can cause tons of chemicals to enter the environment through waterways and soil. People exposed to oil spills during the clean up can develop skin and pulmonary conditions. Long-term health effects such as higher cancer rates have been observed in populations living near oil spill sites.
CO2 levels: Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. Humans exposed to air with CO2 levels of 1,000 parts per million for as little as one hour can develop health issues affecting the organs and brain. Without proper mitigation, most industrialized areas will have outdoor CO2 levels exceeding this threshold by the next century.
