News release

Petroleum, It's Not Just for Your Car

Energy (June 2002 - July 2018)

Petroleum is found is some of the least likely places. In today's world it is a challenge to find a room in your home or a space at your work that does not have a petroleum-based product in it. Everything from the Tupperware container holding last night's leftovers to the Barbie dolls in children's toy chests are made using petroleum.

However, when most people think of petroleum, they think only of gasoline for their cars, diesel fuel for their trucks and heating oil to warm their homes. They don't think of false teeth, bubblegum, toothpaste or toilet seats. The fact is, petroleum is everywhere. More than 6,000 petroleum products are available in North America today.

Motorized transportation accounts for the greatest use of petroleum -- making up almost 67 per cent of all U.S. petroleum consumed in 2000. However, the use of petroleum in the production of non-fuel products that we use everyday is increasing. These products are a crucial part of society, satisfying the needs and wants in every aspect of our lives. Everything from what we wear, eat, listen to and use is somehow connected to petroleum, especially if you consider that all plastic is made from petroleum and plastic is everywhere.

For example, did you know that you could be wearing petroleum right now? Fleece, one of the most popular new fashions for warmth, uses natural gas in its production. Petroleum is also used in science to aid in medical breakthroughs, ranging from artificial limbs to heart valves. Petroleum can even be found in Aspirin, helping to heal headaches.

The shelves in your local grocery store are also filled with petroleum-based products such as dishwashing fluid, pop bottles and cookie and yogurt containers. Even the labels on containers and the adhesive that holds them on are made using petroleum products.

The list of products that contain petroleum is endless. Some examples include: stretch pants; purses; pillows; mascara; guitar strings; insect repellant; sweaters; life jackets; crayons; CDs; deodorant; sneakers; hair dryers; eyeglasses; parachutes; ping- pong paddles; tennis balls; digital clocks; hair colouring; lipstick; and loudspeakers.

The growing use of petroleum is exciting for petroleum-related industries, such as the oil and natural gas industry in Nova Scotia. Over the past decade petroleum exploration in Nova Scotia has continued to grow. The Nova Scotia Department of Energy works with industry, local businesses and communities to make the most of our opportunities, helping to build a strong economy, secure our future and improve the quality of life for Nova Scotians.

Today, petroleum is much more than just fuel for your car, it is a vehicle for maintaining the standard of living to which we have grown accustomed. With petroleum being such a big part of our lives, it leaves us to wonder...what would life be like without it?