One of the most sought after resources on Earth is oil. This mineral is mined in many parts of the globe, at depths of one or more kilometers. It is very expensive because extraction is expensive, and its reserves are becoming smaller every year. Many vital things like fuel for vehicles, materials like plastics, and so on are made from oil. Almost everyone knows that oil is very important for the modern world. But what some people don't even realize is that this black, oily substance is used to some extent in the production of chocolate, ice cream, laxatives, and so on. We hope we've intrigued you – let's talk about all this in more detail.
What do a can of gasoline, ice cream and medicine have in common? Oil!
We all know very well that oil is needed to produce gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, plastics, and so on. But the mineral is also used in more than 6,000 everyday products, according to Live Science. Here are ten unexpected examples that may surprise you.
Contents
- 1 Paraffin in food
- 2 What is toothpaste made of
- 3 What is included in perfume
- 4 The secret of the most durable paint
- 5 What is the coating of medicines made of
- li>6 What are fragrances made from
- 7 What is Vaseline made of
- 8 How do laxatives work
- 9 Composition of shaving cream
- 10 Composition of air fresheners
Paraffin in food
This will come as a big surprise to many, but petroleum is indirectly used in the production of chocolate. When making chocolate bars, some manufacturers add edible paraffin to the raw material – this component is obtained from petroleum, coal or shale oil.
Food-grade paraffin improves the structure and appearance of chocolate
Chocolate itself has a low melting point. Food paraffin in chocolate is needed so that it melts longer and does not stick to the molds for making bars. This component also gives the chocolate a shine that is immediately associated with high quality. Food grade paraffin is tasteless and odorless. It is not digested by the body, but it is not considered harmful – there is definitely no need to worry about it doing any harm. But chocolate has many beneficial properties.
What is toothpaste made from
Substances made from petroleum are also found in toothpaste. For example, it almost always containspolyethylene glycol—it is needed so that the foam is evenly distributed throughout the entire mouth. To dissolve toothpaste in water, a petroleum derivative called poloxamer 407 is added to it.
Substances of petroleum origin help toothpaste cope with stains
Read also:Is toothpaste with fluoride really poisonous and very dangerous to health
What is included in perfume
Previously, perfume cosmetics were mainly made from essential oils. But today, in order for perfumes to last well and have a richer smell, manufacturers add oils made from petroleum to them. One of them is ISO E Super, which has a sandalwood and cedar aroma – this component is very often found both in perfumes and in soaps and other fragrant products. Synthetic oil galaxolide, which has a floral-woody odor, is also made from petroleum.
Synthetic oils that have a pleasant smell are made from petroleum
The secret of the most persistent paint
Some types of paints add polymers, the production of which also requires petroleum. Polymer paints are much better than conventional ones because they adhere more firmly to the surface and do not crack over time. Some paints consist of almost a third of polymers, so they are considered a powerful source of microplastics, which greatly harms nature and people.
Petroleum is also needed for the production of durable paints
Also, synthetic oils made from petroleum are added to paints, which allow you to create a wider range of colors.
What is the drug shell made of
Tablets that we periodically drink , are also made a little bit from oil. Some medications are contained within a soluble shell, and in addition to gelatin, they may contain a small amount ofplastic. Pharmacological companies do not hide this because they try to use a minimum of petroleum-based material that does not harm health in any way.
The plastic content in medicines is minimal and should not have a negative impact on health
Everyone should know this:How dangerous are counterfeit medicines and how to recognize them?
What are flavorings made from
We said a little higher that synthetic oils are made from petroleum. They are sometimes used during the production of vanilla, almond and lemon food flavors. The main advantage of synthetic oil flavors is that they are inexpensive. They can also be used in a wide range of products, including ice cream. For example, benzoaldehyde is often used to impart a bitter almond flavor to foods.
Substances from petroleum are even added to food
What Vaseline is made of
Do you know Are you saying that the well-known Vaseline is also made from petroleum? This mass is used to moisturize and protect the skin – for example, it is smeared after tattooing.
Vaseline is made from pure petroleum and is applied to the skin to moisturize it.
White petroleum jelly is made from black petroleum by thoroughly removing dirt and other impurities from it. Then it is subjected to additional processing, resulting in a thick substance. It is packaged in jars and tubes, after which it is sent to pharmacies and stores. The demand for Vaseline will probably never disappear.
How laxatives work
Substances produced from petroleum are used not only in the manufacture of coatings for medicines. Laxatives often contain polyethylene glycoland mineral oil. The first component attracts water and softens waste products, which helps relieve constipation. And mineral oil, which is also used in industrial lubricants, creates a slippery film in the intestines. These two petroleum-based substances significantly increase the effectiveness of laxatives.
Laxatives soften waste products and help cope with constipation
Cream composition for shaving
Substances made from petroleum are also found in shaving cream. Almost every person experiences skin irritation after using a razor. The cream helps make shaving a smoother process that is gentle on the area around the mouth and neck.
Isopentane and polyethylene glycol make shaving much easier
Many shaving creams contain isopentane . This ingredient, derived from crude oil, helps lift hair so it can grip better with the razor. Also, the above-mentioned polyethylene glycol is often added to shaving products, which creates a slippery film and improves the glide of the razor.
Composition of air fresheners
Finally, it is worth mentioning the content of petroleum derivatives in air fresheners. Once again, we are talking about synthetic oils that emit different odors. There are many different synthetic oils, from which the famous combinations “Spring Lilac” and “Freshness of the Waterfall” are made.
Air fresheners may actually be hazardous to your health if inhaled
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Based on everything written above, it may seem that oil is used in the production of everything that surrounds us. This may be the case, so you will probably be interested in learning more about this mineral. If yes, be sure to read our articles “Who and when first started extracting oil?” and “What determines the price of oil and how does it affect people’s lives?”