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A hydrocarbon is an organic substance that contains hydrogen and carbon atoms.They are carbon 14 hybrids, which means they contain hydrogen as well as carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead atoms. Carbon must make exactly four bonds to be stable because it has four electrons.
Another type of hydrocarbon is aromatic hydrocarbons, which include alkanes, cycloalkanes, and alkyne-based molecules. Hydrocarbons can produce more complicated molecules like cyclohexane by connecting to each other. This is referred to as catenation.
Occurrence
Crude oils contain almost all hydrocarbons, including petroleum and natural gas. Because crude oil is made up of degraded organic molecules, it is high in hydrogen and carbon atoms. Carotene, a natural colour found in carrots and green leaves, is made up of these compounds, which can be found in a range of trees and plants. The majority of natural crude rubber (98%) is made up of a hydrocarbon polymer, which is formed when a chainlike molecule with multiple units is formed.
Concern on Hydrocarbon
On their own, hydrocarbons do not pose a concern. They do, however, conduct a chemical reaction when exposed to sunshine and/or nitrogen oxides.
It is general knowledge that human emissions and pollutants in the current day are hazardous, and hydrocarbons make up a large portion of these damaging compounds. Hydrocarbons are found in crude oil, natural gas, and the majority of insecticides. All of these substances contribute to the greenhouse effect and the destruction of the ozone layer. Plant photosynthetic ability declines, human and animal cancer rates rise, and the risk of respiratory illness grows. The most well-known and documented harm posed by hydrocarbons is oil spills. Oil spills decimate marine plant life and kill or damage hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of animals every year.
Effects of Hydrocarbons On Human Health
The atmosphere and temperature of the world have been changing for decades, and hydrocarbons are one of the key causes. This is a class of chemicals composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen. As significant components of oil, natural gas, and insecticides, these substances contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change, deplete ozone, reduce plant photosynthetic ability, and raise the incidence of cancer and respiratory disorders in humans. Not to mention the damage they cause to the environment through oil spills.
Methane and Chlorofluorocarbons
Methane and chlorofluorocarbons are two hydrocarbons that have the potential to radically modify the atmosphere. Methane decomposes into CO2, raising CO2 levels in the atmosphere and contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Refrigeration and aerosol cans both consume CFCs. They produce chlorine and deplete the ozone layer, which shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation, when released into the atmosphere. Humans, animals, and plants are all more exposed to dangerous UV rays as a result of this.
Aldehydes and Alkyl Nitrates
Aldehydes are poisonous compounds that are produced when hydrocarbons are burned, such as motor fuel and plywood. They’ve been found to stop plants from photosynthesising, irritate the eyes and lungs, and even cause cancer.
Hydrocarbons react chemically with molecules in the atmosphere to produce alkyl nitrates. They can recombine chemically to form nitrous oxide, which can harm blood vessels, the liver, kidneys, and the nervous system.
Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds and Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Aromatic hydrocarbons are formed when coal, oil, tar, and plant matter are burned. Benzene is a common hydrocarbon that is used as a fuel and as a solvent. It has been discovered that it depletes red blood cells, causes cancer in mammals, and harms bone marrow.
Hydrocarbons with two or more benzene molecules are known as polynuclear aromatic compounds. They’ve also been linked to cancer.
Extensive Hydrocarbon Damage from Oil
Massive oil spills are clearly harmful to people’s health and the environment. Animals and humans may be injured if large amounts of oil are released into the environment. Animals that accidentally swallow the oil may also become poisoned.
Oil is not only dangerous in large spills; little emissions from car leaks and other sources can pile up to have catastrophic environmental consequences.
Hydrocarbon’s Benefits
Hydrocarbons can be used as a source of energy.
Hydrocarbons can be used to generate energy when burned.
The amount of carbon dioxide released can be regulated.
The amount of other gases released, such as sulphur pollutants, may also be lowered by refining the fuel further.
Conclusion
Hydrocarbons are chemical molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon that can be found in crude oil, natural gas, and coal. Humans have altered them to be utilised as a source of energy, such as gasoline and jet fuel. The usage of hydrocarbons, particularly their combustion, such as in coal, has wreaked havoc on the ecosystem. As a result, several safer and cleaner alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind ,have been developed.
