The Health effects of oil Contamination
Oil has been extracted in northeastern Ecuador (the Oriente) since 1972. This region is not only home to rainforest, but 8 indigenous peoples and migrant peasants. Oil exploration and extraction has drastically changed this area’s ecosystems and geography; nearly 1 million hectares of the Amazon has been opened to residents and oil companies. In addition to increased land use, there has been severe leakage of the trans-Andes pipeline as well as pollution caused by reckless use of unlined pits for oil waste storage.
Many water sources in the area that are commonly used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning have been contaminated with petrochemicals and other pollutants; as a result, (multiple studies have shown) cancer rates are higher. A 1993 study also found other negative effects of oil contamination, including spontaneous abortion, dermatitis, malnutrition, and skin mycosis.
I find it extremely disheartening that Chevron refuses to clean up the damage caused by Texaco (which it now owns). The effects of oil contamination, especially in the Oriente, are clear. With any luck, Chevron will be forced by the courts to remediate its contaminated sites. Until then, raising awareness about the issue is key.
Many water sources in the area that are commonly used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning have been contaminated with petrochemicals and other pollutants; as a result, (multiple studies have shown) cancer rates are higher. A 1993 study also found other negative effects of oil contamination, including spontaneous abortion, dermatitis, malnutrition, and skin mycosis.
I find it extremely disheartening that Chevron refuses to clean up the damage caused by Texaco (which it now owns). The effects of oil contamination, especially in the Oriente, are clear. With any luck, Chevron will be forced by the courts to remediate its contaminated sites. Until then, raising awareness about the issue is key.