СЛАНЦЕВАЯ НЕФТЬ

Shale oil, as mentioned above, is used in the production of gasoline, kerosene, gas oil, and lube oils. Other products that can be made from shale oil include varnishes, pitches, and mastics. The latter products are employed as solvents and glues, and as starting materials for the printing and rubber products industries. Sulfonated shale oils (e.g., Ichthyol) have found uses as pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, rheumatic diseases, and even for the treatment of blunt trauma. Human testing has shown that sulfonated shale oils are without significant side effects and are as effective as hydrocortisone in treating inflammatory lesions of the skin.

A mixed-base crude oil extracted from moun- tains of sedimentary shale in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming by heating at 425–535C (approximately 800–1000F). Two methods can be used: surface mining and excavation. In the first, the shale is bull- dozed from bed

Confirmed carcinogen.

Confirmed human carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, and tumorigenic data. Mildly toxic by ingestion, skin contact, and intraperitoneal routes. A skin irritant. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. Flammable when exposed to heat and flame. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes.

Releases of shale oil components to the environment can occur in several ways during the extraction, processing, and transport of this material. The more volatile components of shale oil can be released to the atmosphere especially during the retorting process when heat is applied to the shale. Workers at shale processing plants and, to a lesser extent, people residing near those operations can be exposed to the lighter volatile organic chemical components of shale oil released into the air. Spills or other accidental releases of shale oil and its components can threaten wildlife and adversely impact aquatic organisms if the material reaches surface waters. In some areas, spills of oil could reach shallow aquifers thus affecting ground water. Soil contamination is an obvious result of such spills as well.