The petroleum industry keeps America moving, working, playing and so much more. Most people associate petroleum with just transportation, but every day, we use thousands of other products that are made from this integral natural resource. In fact, oil and natural gas are an essential part of our everyday lives.
Almost 150 years ago, “Colonel” Edwin Drake discovered oil near Titusville, Pennsylvania, now known as the birthplace of America’s petroleum industry. This launched the industry and shaped the modern world as we know it.
In 1872, Robert Chesebrough, a young chemist, patented a method for turning the waxy residue from oil wells into a balm. He called it Vaseline. Then, in 1913, Thomas Williams watched his sister, Mabel, mix Vaseline with burnt cork to color her eyebrows and lashes. This inspired him to create a cosmetic line, and before long, he was selling “Lash-Brow-Ine” by mail order catalog. His company went on to become Maybelline.
Another interesting fact: until 1910, automobile tires were white. Then B.F. Goodrich Co. introduced carbon black into the vulcanizing process, which changed the color and dramatically increased the strength and durability of tires. The carbon black material came from a controlled combustion of both oil and natural gas.
Today, there are well over 6,000 petroleum products being used in households and businesses across the country.
Because of the wide variety of products made possible by oil and natural gas, the U.S. consumed approximately 7.3 billion barrels of petroleum in 2022. Of that, 66.6% was for transportation, 27.5% for industrial, 2.8% for residential, 2.5% for commercial and 0.6% for electric power. According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, it is projected that the total consumption of petroleum in our country will continue to increase through 2050.
Ask yourself the question, how many petroleum products did you use today?
Health & Beauty Products: Many of our personal care and hygiene products are derived from petroleum, including perfume, lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, eyeliner, hair dye, hand lotion, toothpaste, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, pantyhose, combs, shampoo, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Household Products: Our homes are full of products that are produced using petroleum. Construction materials such as housing insulation, roofing and solar panels to linoleum flooring, furniture, appliances and home décor, like pillows, curtains, rugs, and house paint, and many everyday kitchen items, including dishes, cups, non-stick pans and dish detergent, all use oil in their creation.
Electronics: Plastics and other petroleum-based products are used in electronic components because of their insulating and heat-resistant properties. Most electronics, including speakers, smartphones, computers, cameras and televisions, have components derived from oil.
Medical Supplies: The healthcare industry relies on petroleum products. Plastics are used in a wide range of medical devices, including hospital equipment, IV bags, artificial limbs, dentures, hearing aids, heart valves and many more. Petrochemicals are relied on for pharmaceuticals and are key to many lifesaving medicines such as aspirin, antihistamines and antibiotics. Pharmaceuticals represent about 3% of petrochemical use, but nearly 99% of pharmaceutical feedstocks and compounds are derived from petrochemicals.
Textiles: Clothing is commonly made from petroleum-based fibers, including rayon, acrylic, vegan leather, nylon, polyester and spandex. Even shoes and purses use petrochemicals for their durable, lightweight, and water-resistant properties.
Sporting Goods: Most sports equipment contains some petroleum, including basketballs, golf balls and bags, football helmets, surfboards, skis, tennis rackets, sleeping bags and fishing rods.
It is hard to comprehend what our lives would look like without oil and gas. Many of the items mentioned above are often taken for granted, but they are important for healthy and productive living in the 21st century. It is vital that we continue sharing the importance of petroleum to keep our industry growing and strong.
