Oil Spills

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Some oil spills release over 100,000 tons of oil into the ocean. When somebody drills for oil it puts everyone at risk. The marine life, underwater plants, and even humans can be affected by the oil floating in the water. The United States should stop oil drilling because it is harmful to the environment and there are many other options to use instead of oil.
Animals and marine life are greatly affected by oil spills. The oil clings to animal’s fur. The oil can damage they’re fur destroying the water repellency. Destroying the water repellency of the fur exposes the animals to weather harsh weather conditions like snow. When they clean themselves the oil will go inside the animals (National Oceanic). The oil can be poisoning when it goes inside the animal. Fish and shellfish are not exposed to the oil as quickly. When they do come into contact with the oil the oil will get mixed in with the water and the fish will breathe in the oil. When adult fish are exposed they might experience reduce in there growth (National Oceanic). The oil will also affect the survival of eggs and larva. Oil affects all sea life and animals making it harder for them to live.
Oil spills have been known to give humans a rash when their skin comes into contact with the oil. The oil cannot severely hurt or injure humans, but when organizations are cleaning up the oil spills they have to make sure they wear long pants and shirts to reduce skin contact with oil. Fish also get exposed to the oil. They’re scales get coated in oil and then we go to restaurants and end up eating these fish that are coated in oil. Some oil can cause an increase in cancer risk. Researchers say that eating a fished that had oil on it is not a risk to humans (Live Science). Still huma...

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...he environment and plants and animals. Oil releases chemicals into the air and poison the water. Oil dissolves into the water. Humans eat fish that have been exposed and coated in oil.

Works Cited

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. N.p., 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .
Live Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. N.p., 23 Jan. 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .
SFGate. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .
Water Encyclopedia Science and Issues. N.p., 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. .

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