Buzz
In 2011, global output of crude oil and natural gas hit a staggering 83.6 million barrels per day. As the global population grows, so too will the demand for this essential resource. Given that petroleum is used in so many industries, its fluctuating price impacts us in ways we might not realize. The list of products made from petroleum seems endless, but here are ten of the most common ones:
10. Cosmetics
Consider the moisturizer you just bought – the one you’re about to apply to your skin – as the decomposed remains of millions of long-gone organisms. Since petroleum-derived ingredients can make up to 80% of a cosmetic's composition, that’s essentially what you’re paying for. Oils, waxes, perfumes, dyes, and other petrochemicals (chemicals produced from petroleum) are the most common components. Petroleum byproducts are also present in your shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes.
9. Synthetic Rubber
Thanks to its thermal resilience and durability, synthetic rubber is often favored over natural latex in the manufacturing world. You’ll find this material in products like sports equipment, footwear, and tires. On average, around 8 gallons of oil are used to make a single tire. Additionally, synthetic rubber is commonly used in the insulation of wires and cables. However, its use is limited by its higher cost compared to natural rubber.
8. Lubricants
Lubricants play a significant role in daily life, often more than we realize. Beyond aiding certain fantasies, these substances are found in a wide range of common products. A lubricant’s primary function is to reduce friction between moving parts, a property called lubricity. Motor oil, for instance, is one of the most widely used lubricants, protecting internal combustion engines. Other examples include grease and paraffin wax, which is used in candles. Given that some lubricants are made up of up to 90% oil, they’re essentially pure petroleum derivatives.
7. Medicines
A significant number of modern medicines are derived from benzene, which in turn comes from petroleum. Almost all common pain relievers, including aspirin, are based on this petrochemical. Surprisingly, petroleum-based substances are also used extensively in homeopathic treatments. Some have even connected the rise of petroleum engineering to the advancement of modern medicine.
6. Cleaning Products
When you check the ingredients on a cleaning product, you’re likely to encounter unfamiliar and hard-to-pronounce terms. These ingredients, some of which can be dangerous or merely make your furniture gleam, are often composed of synthetic chemicals (hence the poison warnings on their labels). Many of these chemicals are petrochemicals, such as glycerin, which is commonly found in laundry detergents and dish soaps.
5. Asphalt
Asphalt, or bitumen, is a semi-solid form of petroleum that can either be natural or refined. Its primary role is to bind various minerals together, forming a substance known as asphalt concrete. With over 11 million miles of paved roads globally, this represents a significant amount of oil. Asphalt is often mistaken for tar, which is a similar black material produced during coal distillation.
4. Synthetic Fabrics
Petroleum-based fibers are known for their durability, accessibility, and ease of maintenance. Additionally, they are often more affordable than natural fabrics, making them an increasingly popular choice in fashion and home goods. While cotton may dominate your underwear drawer, your socks may tell a different story.
Beyond the clothes that stay away from your 'region,' many other fabrics are made from synthetic fibers (think curtains, couches, carpets, etc.). Common examples include rayon, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and polyester. So, the next time you slip into a piece of clothing, remember that you're essentially wearing petroleum-based products.
3. Fuel
Arguably the most obvious item on this list, but unquestionably the number one: gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel together account for about 72% of petroleum usage. The process of refining petroleum is intricate, and these fuels may differ chemically by only a tiny margin. However, despite this, the various types of fuel exhibit significant differences in physical properties, although their intended uses are largely the same.
2. Plastic
Almost every plastic product is derived from petrochemicals – and, unsurprisingly, plastic is ubiquitous. Take a look around, and you'll notice that a large proportion of your belongings are at least partially made from plastic. From your iPod to the Mountain Dew bottle you're sipping, plastics are a major part of our everyday lives. In fact, roughly 4-5% of the total U.S. petroleum consumption is allocated each year to the production of plastic items.
1. Food
No matter how much you prefer organic, it’s nearly impossible to find food that hasn't been affected by the oil industry. Petroleum derivatives are widely used in synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Petrochemicals are also common in food preservatives, flavor enhancers, and colorants. Oil plays a significant role in the agricultural sector, helping to increase production, speed up cultivation, and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, it also contributes to atmospheric pollution. Petroleum-based plastics can even be found in your chewing gum – an unsettling fact to chew on.
