Background

Oil refineries play a crucial role in the global energy system by transforming crude oil, a complex mix of organic liquids and gases primarily composed of hydrocarbons, into valuable products like gasoline, diesel, and asphalt. Crude oil forms deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years through the anaerobic decomposition of large amounts of dead organisms under high pressure, resulting in its bitumen state. Extracted from underground reservoirs, petroleum is a blend of natural gas (mainly methane, CH4) and crude oil. The extraction process begins with drilling to access these reservoirs, and once the crude oil is brought to the surface, it undergoes refining to produce the essential products that fuel industries and everyday life. The refining process is complex and energy-intensive, involving separating crude oil into different components through distillation, where the oil is heated and then cools, separating into layers based on weight—heavier products like tar settle at the bottom. In contrast, lighter, more valuable products like gasoline rise to the top. Beyond this basic distillation, modern refining techniques use advanced methods such as heat, catalysis, pressure, and chemicals to refine crude oil further, ensuring that it meets strict regulations. These processes produce essential petrochemical products crucial to various economic sectors, including transportation and manufacturing.

Introduction

Oil refineries are a critical component of the global energy system, transforming crude oil into essential products like gasoline and diesel. However, refineries pose significant environmental and health risks alongside their economic benefits, particularly in regions with poor regulatory oversight. In the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, especially in Erbil, the expansion of oil refineries has led to alarming levels of pollution specifically to the aerial system. Mismanagement, lack of enforcement of safety regulations, and poor governance have allowed these refineries to operate without adequate environmental safeguards. As a result, the region faces increasing levels of air, soil, and water contamination, which not only disrupt ecosystems but also pose severe public health risks, including rising cancer rates.

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