Crude oil and its refined products contain a complex mixture of compounds, many of which are toxic. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX). These compounds are known for their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties. PAHs, for instance, are persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in the tissues of living organisms, leading to long-term health effects.
