What is one of the main health risks associated with oil spills?

Exposure to toxic hydrocarbons is a significant health risk associated with oil spills because these compounds can have severe effects on human health. When oil spills occur, they release various harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health effects such as cancer.

Individuals exposed to oil spills, such as cleanup workers and nearby residents, may inhale vapors or come into direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces, increasing their risk of toxic exposure. Beyond immediate health concerns, chronic exposure to these hydrocarbons can also lead to neurological and reproductive issues, making it crucial to address the risks associated with such spills.

Other choices such as allergic reactions, dehydration, and bone fractures are less directly linked to the impact of oil spills. Allergic reactions might occur in some cases, but they are not the primary concern. Dehydration typically results from environmental factors after a spill rather than direct exposure to oil, and bone fractures relate to physical accidents rather than health effects of oil exposure itself.