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Do you know that fossil fuels run the world? Life as we know it would come to a standstill if we ran out of these precious compounds. Fossil fuels supplement the production of many products Diverse items such as; household items, clothes, your car, airplanes, boats, pesticides, bags, purses, and even food is preserved with a little help from fossil fuels.

Yes, you read that right. The food we eat is preserved using fossil fuels. Natural gas, coal, and oil are examples of fossil fuels. The name fossil denotes a substance produced from dead decaying matter accumulated over millions of years.

Fossil fuels were formed more than 650 million years ago. The energy was released from carbon stored in dead matter. This energy was converted to natural gas, coal, and oil. Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable source of energy.

Petroleum, Kerosene, Methane, Propane, Butane, Coal and many more are examples of fossil fuel products. These products are a source of different raw materials used directly or as feedstock for the manufacturing of countless products.

 

Here are 75 common uses of fossil fuels.

 

1. Fuel

The commonest use of Fossil fuel is gasoline. This, however, is not the only use. Out of 42.6 barrel of oil, only 19.4 gallons are used to produce gasoline. Almost 60% of crude oil goes into manufacturing different products, the bulk of which are plastics.

Gasoline, jet fuel, heating oil, kerosene is processed from crude oil. Both petroleum and Natural gas are then used to produce electricity which powers industries and lights homes.

2. In cars,

A car is made of about 50% plastics. Almost all plastic components in a car are made from petroleum byproducts. Plastics are versatile, durable and lightweight. This makes them ideal raw materials for, car handles, air vents, dashboards, and airbags

3. Petroleum Jelly

Everybody knows Vaseline, a worldwide brand of petroleum jelly. Used as a skin toning application, Petroleum jelly is produced from crude oil. The crude material is vacuum distilled, filtered through bone char to produce the jelly. It’s an odorless semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons.

4. Toys

Toys are made from blow molding plastics. Some toys such as head parts of girl’s dolls and kick balls are made from rotational molding, which creates a seamless finish.

5. Computers

All plastic parts in a computer are made from fossil fuels. The computer’s insulation and parts that protect a computer from overheating, including capacitors, and electrical components which include polymer capacitors are made from tetracyanoquinodimethane a fossil fuel product.

6. Asphalt/ Bitumen

Asphalt or bitumen as is commonly referred to, is a heavy black substance, a byproduct of petroleum. Bitumen is a strong, versatile, weather-resistant, binding material used in paving roads.

It binds itself well with gravel, sand, and cement to form a tough road surface.

7. Synthetic rubber

Synthetic rubber is an artificial elastomer made from synthesized polymers of petroleum by-products, it’s used in making doors, window profiles, water hoses, belts, matting, flooring, and many other products. Two-thirds of material used in making car tires are synthetic rubber.

8. Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is obtained from dewaxing petroleum. Paraffin wax is used in the manufacture of candles, wax paper, shoe polishes, cosmetics, electrical insulators, and several other products.

9. Fertilizers

Fertilizers used in improving soil fertility are produced synthetically. They include natural gas, a fossil fuel. Ammonia, Nitrogen, and Potassium are synthesized from fossil fuels. Phosphorus is made using sulfur and phosphate rock.

10. Pesticides

Pesticides help keep unwanted pests under control. They are hydrocarbons synthesized in the laboratory. Chlorine, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, nitrogen, and bromine are commonly used components. Inert ingredients are dependent on pesticide type, Liquid pesticides use kerosene while others use petroleum distillate as a carrier.

11. Detergents

Detergents used in daily household cleaning chores are made from saponification. A process that involves heating fats and oils, which then react with alkali and glycerin. Hydrocarbons found in petroleum and oils are an important component in soap making. They repel water while attracting oil and grease.

12. Furniture

Traditional furniture was made of wood. Modern furniture is made from a variety of materials including metal, and Plastics. Plastics made from hydrocarbons monomers, for example, styrene vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile are used in the making of high-end beautiful furniture.

13. Packaging materials

Plastic packaging materials keep products especially foodstuff fresh and well protected. They are made from hydrocarbons, cellulose, coal and natural gas.

14. Surfboards

Surfboards made from foam are durable and versatile. Foam is processed from polyurethane and encased within a polyester resin. More modern novice surfboards now use an epoxy resin and prolapse polystyrene (PPS) foam, rather than polyurethane and polyester. All surfboards use fiberglass.

15. Paints

Paints are made from both organic and inorganic pigments. Most pigments used today are either inorganic. Synthetic organic pigments are derived from coal tar and other petrochemical products. They are shinier, have a better gloss and produce a beautiful colorful finish.

16. Artificial fibers

Artificial fibers are made from petrochemicals. Two compounds derived from petroleum are polymerized to form a chemical bond that produces adjacent carbon atoms. Different chemical compounds are used to produce different types of synthetic fibers.

17. Upholstery

Car upholstery consists of fabric, padding, webbing, and springs. Foam and other hydrocarbon products are preferred material because of their versatility and durability. The foam makes comfortable padding and does not wear and tear easily.

18. Carpets.

Carpets are made from fibers, natural fibers include wool and flax. Modern carpets are made from synthetic fiber. Synthetic fibers like nylon, polypropylene or polyester. All three are produced by the same chemical processes using oil and natural gas.

19. Solvents Diesel Motor Oil Bearing

Solvent products made from petroleum are used to reduce friction and wear between bearing metallic surfaces. They are made by refining a solvent by hydrogen treatment to remove non-hydrocarbons.

20. Floor Wax

Floor wax used to shine wooden floors is made from paraffin wax a hydrocarbon fuel which is obtained by dewaxing light lubricating oil stocks

21. Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint pens are made of plastic obtained from hydrocarbons. The ink is a mixture of water-resistant synthetic pigments

22. Football Cleats

Football cleats, the protrusions on the sole of football shoes are external attachments that give additional traction during play. They are conical or blade-like shaped and are made from plastic or rubber or metal. Plastic and synthetic rubber football cleats are hydrocarbon products.

23. Sweaters

Sweaters can be made from artificial fibers that include polyesters, or acrylic which are petroleum products. They are tough, have excellent colorfast, stretch resistant and dry quickly.

24. Boats

All plastics used on a boat including padding and dashboards are made from hydrocarbon materials that are processed into plastics, foam and synthetic rubber.

25. Insecticides

Insecticides help get rid of pesky bugs. Insecticides are synthesized in the laboratory from hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. They contain Chlorine, Oxygen, Sulfur, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Bromine. Inert ingredients depend on the type of pesticide. Liquid pesticides traditionally use kerosene or other petroleum distillate as a carrier.

26. Bicycle

The bicycle is made from various materials. The frame and chains are made from alloy stainless steel, the seat and handlebars are made from synthetic plastic made of hydrocarbons. The smooth running of the wheels is also facilitated by lubricating oil.

27. Tires

Synthetic Rubber made from polymers found in crude oil is used to make car tires. Carbon black is a fine, soft powder created when crude oil or natural gas is burned with a limited amount of oxygen, causing incomplete combustion and creating a large amount of fine soot that is synthesized to rubber.

Sports Car Bodies

Sports cars have to be light and strong. Plastic parts made from petroleum make up almost 50% of a sports car. Seats, dashboards, bumpers, and engine components are all made of plastic or synthesized rubber.

28. Nail Polish

Nail polish or nail varnish is made from toluene, a petrochemical pigment. Toluene is a smooth solvent lacquer safe to apply on fingernails and toenails. It protects nail plates from cracking and peeling.

Nail polish is an organic polymer mixed with several components, to get that unique color and texture

29. Fishing lures

Fish lures are artificial fishing baits. They use movement, vibration, flash, and color to baitfish. They have a hook and a colorful plastic part. The plastic bodies of fish lures are quite popular with fishermen. The plastic is a petroleum product made from hydrocarbons.

30. Dresses

Many dresses are made from polymer fibers. Polymer fibers are soft, warm, have a wool texture, and are light. They are easy to dye and hold colorfast. With all these benefits you can understand why the garment industry leans heavily on petroleum-derived synthetic fibers for colorful dresses.

31. Golf Bags

Most golf bags are made from polymers derived from petroleum. Synthetic fibers are strong resilient and elastic. Qualities needed for quality golf bags.

32. Perfumes

Perfumes are made from organic plant or animal oils but have to be dissolved in a solvent. Petroleum ether, toluene, and benzene are used to extract fresh perfume oils from plants like jasmine, mimosa, lavender, sandalwood and many more. Once the extraction is completed, The petroleum-based solvent evaporates.

33. Cassettes

Cassette tapes are made of a polyester type plastic film made from hydrocarbons. They are layered with a magnetic coating.

34. Dishwasher

Bitumen a crude oil extract is also used in manufacturing dishwashers. Layers of bitumen are used as sound insulation in high-end dishwashers.

35. Computers

Did you know that your computer uses thin bitumen plates that act as silencers? The hard drive and many other components in your computer can be extremely noisy if not silenced Thanks to bitumen, your computer operates silently.

36. Shoe Polish

Shoe polishes are made from waxes organic solvents and dyes. Petroleum-based solvents are used in the manufacturing process. Hydrocarbon based waxes make smooth and easy to dissolve shoe polish.

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37. Motorcycle Helmet

A conventional motorcycle helmet has two principal protective components: a thin, hard, outer shell typically made from polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, or Kevlar and a soft, thick, inner liner usually made of expanded polystyrene or polypropylene “EPS” foam, this is a petroleum-derived hydrocarbon.

38. Jelly Transparent Tape

Transparent tape or sellotape as is commonly referred to is made from a plastic derived hydrocarbon. A thin coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive is metered onto the film and dried

39. Compact Discs

Compact discs or CDs are made from polycarbonate plastic covered in a thin layer of aluminum and clear acrylic for protection. The polycarbonate plastic is made from petrochemicals bisphenol A and phosgene.

40. Antiseptics

You may be wondering what antiseptics are doing on a fossil fuel list, Antiseptics contain

Creosote, a category of carbonaceous chemicals formed by the distillation of various tars and pyrolysis of plant-derived material, such as wood or fossil fuel used as preservatives or antiseptics.

41. Clothesline

Clotheslines are made from a lightweight, strong, water, mildew-resistant multifilament polypropylene (nylon), it has a slippery texture deters a firm clothes grip, but is strong.

42. Curtains

Curtain fabrics are often made from cotton, silk, and linen. Synthetic fibers, however, make most curtains. Polyester, acrylic, rayon, etc.

43. Food Preservatives

Paraffin wax is used as a food preservative that keeps packaged baked goods fresh and moulds free. Chocolates and many other products have labels that show petroleum as an ingredient.

44. Basketballs

Basketballs are made from either rubber, synthetic rubber, or composite materials. The interior of the ball has a bladder that holds air and keeps the ball inflated. The exterior is made of nylon and polyester derived from petrochemicals.

45. Soap

Most soaps are petroleum-based products. Soap is a salt of fatty acid used for cleaning. Its most common use is in Households, where it is used for washing, bathing, and all housekeeping chores that need an emulsifier.

46. Anesthetics

Anesthetics are drugs that help prevent patients from feeling pain during surgery. Most anesthesia drugs are made from ethylene a colorless, odorless petroleum derivative.

47. Crumb Rubber

Crumb rubber is actually recycled rubber. It’s made from recycled tires, which undergo combustion in petroleum to release carbon black and benzothiazole.

48. Body Lotions

Body lotions are made with substances called occlusives. Occlusives are petrochemicals that help seal wounds and moisturize your skin.

49. Face Creams

Facial creams are petroleum-based products. The ingredients used include perfumes, dyes, waxes and other substances made from petroleum.

50. Toothpaste

Toothpaste has several derivatives of petroleum. Poloxamer 407, a petroleum product is used with other oil bases to dissolve the water-based part of the toothpaste solution.

51. Deodorants

Deodorants contain propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is a moisturizer and a solvent for the scent it helps the scent last longer.

52. Crayons

Children love to color using crayons, but do you know that each crayon is made from paraffin wax, a petroleum-based product?

53. Pantyhose

Pantyhose made from nylon, a petrochemical compound, are strong and stretch easily. They are also easy to wash and do not run.

54. Chewing Gum

One of the most unusual uses of petroleum is chewing gum. Petroleum derived products found in chewing gum, give it its elastic properties and lasting texture. The base of the gum consists of paraffin wax and polyethylene.

55. Dentures

Dentures obtain their coloring from dyes. They are made with acrylic, a hydrocarbon, together with porcelain, metal, and nylon. The acrylic resin can be dyed to look more like a natural gum color.

56. Sanitary Products

Tampons and sanitary pads contain Phthalates which are plastics originating from crude oil that give the smooth look to the tampons.

57. Contact lenses

Contact lenses are made from polymers, a petrochemical. Polymers’ contacts are permissible and allow air to pass. They allow oxygen’s passage to the eye, an extremely important feature.

58. Refrigerator

Plastics made from petroleum-based products make up most of the exterior of your refrigerator.

59. Nonstick Pots

The coating found on non-stick pots and pans is made from petrochemicals. This coating gives the pan’s surface its non-stick properties, the pans are also heat resistant.

60. Medicines

Many medications use petroleum-based products Benzene is the commonest petroleum derivative used in cough mixtures and other medications.

61. Solar Panels

Solar Panels are a major source of renewable energy, generating electricity in places that are not connected to the electricity grid. They are made from petroleum-derived plastic cells.

62. Styrofoam

Styrofoam is used in insulation and as a barrier to water seepage in walls, roofs, and foundations, it’s made from polystyrene, a petroleum hydrocarbon.

63. Cushions

Couch cushions are made from polyurethane a petroleum-based chemical

64. Linoleum Tiles

Linoleum tiles found on your kitchen floor are made from plastic.

65. Toilet Seats

Toilet seats are made from polystyrene, a thermoplastic petroleum derivative.

66. Rugs

Most rugs are made from synthetic fibers. Nylon and olefin are the most common fibers used in making door and floor rugs.

67. Shampoo

Shampoos are made from liquefied propane and butane, a product of liquefied petroleum gas.

68. Tennis Racquets

Tennis racquets are made from polyacrylonitrile and rayon both petrochemicals.

69. Heart Valves

Artificial heart valves save the lives of heart patients. Do you know that they are made from graphite, pyrolytic, carbon, and polyester, all derived from petroleum?

70. Surgeon’s Scrubs

Scrubs have to be strong, waterproof, easy to clean, disinfect, and hygienic. hydrocarbons are used in making surgeon’s nurses and doctor’s scrubs.

71. Balloons

Foil balloons are light strong and can withstand extreme pressure. They are made from a petroleum-derived, polyester film called biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate.

72. Hair spray

Propane and butane petroleum products are used as carriers in hairsprays.

73. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is made with poloxamer 407, a common petroleum derivative that helps oil-based ingredients to be dissolved in water.

74. Kayaks

Kayaks are made from polyethylene. Roto mold is used to create a seamless strong and durable kayak. A large mold is filled with powdered plastic, which is put into an oven. The oven melts the powdered plastic into a liquid. It is then cooled into the final product.

75. Tetra Pak

Tetra paks, packaging material for milk and other drinks are layered with hot melted polyethylene to completely seal the shape. The outside is coated to seal in the ink while the inside is triple coated to protect the contents.

Fossil fuels as you’ve seen really do run the world. So here is a little brain teaser,- imagine for a moment a world without petrochemicals, hydrocarbons and natural gas. How would we produce common everyday products that we take for granted?