The Hydrocarbons They are chemical substances produced in nature that are made up of carbon and hydrogen. These atoms are arranged in a wide variety of forms, thus giving rise to various types of hydrocarbons, the main ones being oil and natural gas. These substances are produced in deep layers of the earth over millions of years, they come from the decomposition of plants and animals of remote eras.
Hydrocarbons go abroad spontaneously or by drilling and exploitation of their deposits. Once processed, they can give rise to a large number of products that are very useful in everyday life, especially for energy generation processes such as fuels and for industrial use in the manufacture of products as diverse as lubricants for vehicles and machinery. , asphalt, plastics, cosmetics and even hygiene and personal care items.
Although they have been very beneficial, hydrocarbons have also produced a negative impact on the environment, mainly by polluting the waters during their maritime transport when spills or leaks occur due to poor handling or poor condition of the means of transport, this has happened most frequently with oil. The low density of hydrocarbons with respect to water makes them float occupying large areas on their surface, this is capable of isolating the contact of aquatic life with the atmosphere which can cause the death of these living beings as well as the contamination of large volumes of water.
Some hydrocarbons are in a gaseous state, they can pass into the atmosphere polluting the air, this phenomenon also occurs due to the emissions that are produced after the combustion of hydrocarbons in various machinery and engines such as those of vehicles.
Hydrocarbons are also capable of affecting health, both for themselves and for the heavy metals that are associated. In the case of Gasoline, a hydrocarbon commonly used by the general population, it produces vapors that, when inhaled, cause an inflammatory reaction in the eyes and airway, and can also be absorbed through the skin. Substances such as benzene are associated with an increased risk of developing cancerous diseases such as leukemia and congenital malformations in the fetus.
In the past, when gasoline contained lead, it was common to observe a disease called lead poisoning, due to lead poisoning in gasoline, this disease produced alterations such as anemia, nervous system disorders and kidney failure and led to the development of Unleaded petrol. Hydrocarbons can contain other toxins such as arsenic and mercury that can also cause serious damage to health.
