Odessa’s economy runs on oil discovery and extraction—but for the workers making that possible, the job can come with serious health risks. Unfortunately, exposure to crude oil can cause lasting damage to your lungs, skin, and internal organs—sometimes with symptoms that don’t appear until it’s too late.
Oil companies know these dangers. But time and again, they put profits first, cutting corners on safety, failing to warn workers, and leaving you exposed and unprotected.
If you or a loved one has gotten sick after working around crude oil, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the oil companies on your own. Our undefeated oil rig accident lawyers have recovered Billions for injured oilfield workers across Texas and the United States. We’ll fight to hold the company fully accountable and make sure you and your family get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here’s what every oilfield worker needs to know about the dangers of crude oil exposure.
What Is Crude Oil?
Crude oil is a fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter and extracted from places like Odessa’s Permian Basin. As it serves as a vital energy source, it provides significant value to the local and state economy.
In particular, it is refined into fuels like gasoline and diesel, though it’s also used to make plastics, fertilizers, and a wide range of other chemicals that are found in things you see every day, such as asphalt and synthetic fibers.
Despite its value, though, crude oil poses serious health risks to those who extract and use it; you may even suffer health risks from simply being around it. While it’s impossible to imagine what society would look like without it, these uses for crude oil also increase exposure risks for workers and residents.
Health Risk of Crude Oil Exposure
The lasting health impacts of exposure to crude oil (such as by way of oil spills) include the following:
- Memory loss
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- Respiratory issues
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Confusion
- Eye sores
Unfortunately, simply living near or working on an oilfield can lead to these and other serious health issues. Spending years working on oilfields and drilling rigs only magnifies your risks; such prolonged exposure can even lead to neurological damage, increase your risk of cancer, and even damage your immune system.
Hydrogen Sulfide: A Deadly Byproduct
When crude oil is extracted, it often releases hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas that can cause serious injury or death. Even mild to moderate exposure to hydrogen sulfide can lead to fatigue, nausea, “gas eye,” and staggering. Repeated, low-level exposure can cause chronic respiratory or neurological issues.
Crude Oil Skincare Concerns
Crude oil derivatives are common in some skin care products. While refined versions are generally safe, exposure to unrefined crude oil can harm your skin. Some potential impacts include dermatitis or even burns. If you work around crude oil, make sure you are using the proper protective equipment.
If you don’t work in the oil industry, there are many steps you can take to limit your risk. Ensuring you are drinking and bathing in clean water that is free from crude oil byproducts is a major step in the right direction.
If you live in an area that has been impacted by oil spills, consider installing a whole-home water filtration system.
Occupational Risks
Oilfield accidents and drilling rig incidents take oil risks to a completely different level. Whereas crude oil exposure can cause health consequences that subtly worsen over time, catastrophic accidents on rigs and oilfields can lead to life-changing injuries or even death.
If you or a loved one works in the oil industry, make sure that the company responsible for maintaining the site provides all necessary protective equipment and keeps the work environment safe.
Protecting Yourself Against These Hazards
The bottom line is that crude oil, while extremely important to our daily lives, is also a health hazard. With that in mind, you must be mindful of the chemicals you expose yourself to and do your best to limit contact with potentially harmful versions of oil and oil-based products.
If you’ve suffered injuries caused by crude oil, contact Zehl & Associates to schedule a free consultation with a Texas personal injury attorney.
Contact the Texas Oil Rig Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call (888) 603-3636
For more information, please contact our oil rig accident attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours