Oil
Oil is FUN
History Timeline
History of the oil industry
Oil was discovered in 347 A.D. by the Chinese with bamboo poles to drill.
In the 1500s seep oil was collected and used for street lamps.
In 1594 hand dug oils wells are made in Persia
In 1848 the first modern oil well is drilled in Asia
In 1850 first hand dug pits in California find oil
In 1854 the first oil wells in Europe emerge
In 1858 first oil well in North America in Ontario, Canada
In 1859 first oil well in the United States
In 1875 first commercial oil field in California
In 1886 gasoline powered automobiles create new market for oil
In 1902 first rotary rig in California
In the 19th century with the industrial revolution creates a huge boom for the oil business
By the 20th century oil is the dominant fuel and a huge part of the American economy
In 1933 Standard oil gets the first contract to drill for oil in Saudi Arabia
Common Uses
Common Uses Of Mineral Oil
In Cosmetics
Due to its easy availability, the inexpensive mineral oil serves as a common ingredient in ointments, baby lotions, cold creams and cosmetics. It can be used to remove make up and temporary tattoos. At the same time, it is also applied on eyelashes, to prevent them from breaking.
As Preservative
Since mineral oil does not absorb atmospheric moisture, it is frequently used in protecting alkali metals like lithium. They are submerged in mineral oil for storage and transportation. A coating of mineral oil is often applied on metal tools and weapons like knives, to hamper oxidation. It can also be used to condition leather products and preserve wood products. The light coating of mineral oil is also rubbed over well-sanded wood, to give it a durable finish look.
In Medicine
Mineral oil is used as a medicine, both internally and externally. It is prescribed orally as lubricative laxative to ease the pain of bowel movements in people suffering from hemorrhoids and constipation and is taken before going to bed. It coats the bowel with waterproof film that helps it remain moist. However, the oil should be used in moderation, as it can prevent the uptake of certain vitamins and nutrients. In the outer part of the body, mineral oil (with added fragrance) is marketed as baby oil. It is often used to treat infant "diaper rashes" and ease the inflammation. It can also be used to clean the inside of ears (2- 3 drops daily).
Effects on the Environment
Major Consequences
EXAMPLE
Ecuador
Fifty percent of Ecuador's national budget is funded by oil earnings and continued oil exploration and production is thought to be necessary to ensure the countries' well being. The country plans to increase production and holds auctions to increase foreign investment. Dependence on oil revenue has hindered Ecuador's environmental enforcement, which in turn has caused damaging consequences to indigenous tribes living in the Amazon region and to the environment in the eastern (Oriente) part of the country. The Indians of Ecuador, located in the Amazon region of Oriente, have joined forces for the past 20 years to resist oil exploration and demand rights to their ancestral lands.
Many of the indigenous tribes in the Amazon region that once numbered in the thousands have been reduced to the hundreds as a result of the pollution generated by oil exploration and other assaults. Water contamination has led to increased risks of cancer, abortion, dermatitis, fungal infection, headaches, and nausea. Their drinking, bathing, and fishing water contain toxins much higher than the safety limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.