What are the disadvantages of the oil in the sea?

Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird's feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements. Without the ability to repel water and insulate from the cold water, birds and mammals will die from hypothermia.

1. Does oil kill sea life?
2. How does oil in the ocean affect humans?
3. What are the effects of oil spills?
4. How do oil spills affect seafood?
5. How does oil spills affect beaches?
6. How does oil affect the ocean?
7. How does oil harm the environment?
8. Why is oil toxic?
9. How do oil spills affect coral reefs?
10. How would sea life in an area be affected if an oil spill killed much of the plankton in that area?
11. How does oil affect society?
12. How do oil spills affect society?
13. How do oil spills affect the economy?

Does oil kill sea life?

Oil and dispersed oil are toxic to marine invertebrates like corals, lobsters, crabs, oysters, clams, zooplankton, starfish and sand-dwelling organisms. As with fish, it's impossible to tally how many invertebrates have been harmed by the BP oil spill.

How does oil in the ocean affect humans?

Studies of biomarkers have uncovered irreparable harm to humans exposed to oil and gas from spills. These effects can be grouped into respiratory damage, liver damage, decreased immunity, increased cancer risk, reproductive damage and higher levels of some toxics (hydrocarbons and heavy metals).

What are the effects of oil spills?

Oil spills frequently kill marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. 10 Oil can clog blowholes of whales and dolphins, making it impossible for them to breathe properly and disrupting their ability to communicate. Oil coats fur of otters and seals, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia.

How do oil spills affect seafood?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are two ways that oil can cause seafood to be unfit for consumption. The first is through the presence of certain levels of chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are carcinogenic. (Oil is composed of many chemicals.

How does oil spills affect beaches?

If oil waste reaches the shoreline or coast, it interacts with sediments such as beach sand and gravel, rocks and boulders, vegetation, and terrestrial habitats of both wildlife and humans, causing erosion as well as contamination . Waves, water currents, and wind move the oil onto shore with the surf and tide.

How does oil affect the ocean?

Oil spills are harmful to marine birds and mammals as well as fish and shellfish. ... Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird's feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements.

How does oil harm the environment?

Impact of oil spills. Spilt oil can pollute streams, rivers and, if it soaks through the soil and rock, groundwater. ... We must protect them both from pollution. Oil is toxic and harmful to plants and animals and a threat to their habitats.

Why is oil toxic?

All crude oil contains VOCs, which readily evaporate into the air, giving crude oil a distinctive odor. Some VOCs are acutely toxic when inhaled, in addition to being potentially cancer-causing.

How do oil spills affect coral reefs?

Once oil comes into contact with corals, it can kill them or impede their reproduction, growth, behavior, and development. The entire reef ecosystem can suffer from an oil spill, affecting the many species of fish, crabs, and other marine invertebrates that live in and around coral reefs.

How would sea life in an area be affected if an oil spill killed much of the plankton in that area?

Poisoning: Sea mammals, birds, and fish can be killed or sickened if they ingest or inhale oil; smaller organisms such as plankton can be contaminated, poisoning species further up the food chain. ... Other damage: Marine life's respiratory, cardiac, and immune systems can be compromised due to oil spills.

How does oil affect society?

Oil spills can damage the environment and the wildlife and marine life that depend on it. They can also cause physical, mental, and financial stress to people as individuals. But even at a larger social level, like a community, oil spills can threaten the order of things.

How do oil spills affect society?

Oil spills have major environmental and economic effects. Oil spills can also affect human health. ... People who clean up the spill are more at risk. Problems could include skin and eye irritation, neurologic and breathing problems, and stress.

How do oil spills affect the economy?

Oil spills can lead to severe disruption for the tourist industry. ... In addition to costs incurred by clean-up activities, serious economic losses can be experienced by industries and individuals dependent on coastal resources. Usually, the tourism and fisheries sectors are where the greatest impacts are felt.