Fossil fuels are composed of hydrocarbons, various forms of which are hazardous to human health. When fossil fuels are extracted, refine or burned, hydrocarbons are released to the environment, as are other toxics.

Humans can be exposed to these toxic compounds through air, water, soil, and by consuming animals that have accumulated the toxic chemicals in their bodies.

The production of all forms of Dirty Energy -- including uranium -- release large quantities of toxic compounds into the environment. In some cases, the concentrations are high enough to pose a serious threat to human health.

For More Information

• NDE: the public health impacts of tar sands

• NDE: the public health impacts of coal

• NDE: the public health impacts of oil and gas

• NDE: the public health impacts of uranium

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