BY Hasan Yasin, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB and Samuel Mathis, MD, Assistant Professor, UTMB
“When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou
The legacy of Rockefeller’s Standard Oil and the subsequent proliferation of petroleum-derived products have left an indelible mark on modern medicine and public health. As clinicians, it is essential 
to recognize how the omnipresence of petrochemicals, ranging from pharmaceutical precursors to food additives and plastics, may be contributing to the growing burden of chronic disease in our patient populations.
Historical Context and Medical Integration
Following the industrial advances of the early 20th century, the petrochemical industry rapidly expanded into the synthesis of vitamins and pharmaceuticals. Today, it is estimated that nearly 99% of pharmaceutical feedstocks and reagents are petroleum-derived, a testament to the extent of how these compounds are entrenched in drug development and manufacturing. While this has enabled mass production and widespread access to medications and supplements, it has also introduced a host of synthetic chemicals into the human environment and body (1, 2).
Petrochemicals in Food and Pharmaceuticals
Petroleum-based compounds are not confined to the pharmaceutical realm. They are ubiquitous in food processing, where they serve as preservatives (e.g., BHA, BHT, TBHQ) and artificial colors (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40, Blue No. 1). These additives are designed to extend shelf life and enhance product appeal, but emerging data suggest potential health risks. Many of these compounds are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with hormonal regulation and increase the risk for adverse health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders (1, 2, 3).
The cumulative and synergistic effects of chronic, low-level exposure to these additives are not fully understood. Systematic reviews and observational studies have associated artificial colorants and preservatives with increased risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers (1, 3). These findings are particularly concerning given the high consumption of ultra-processed foods among children and vulnerable populations.
Plastics, Microplastics, and Human Health
The pervasiveness of plastics, another major class of petroleum derivatives, extends the exposure landscape. Plastics are integral to packaging, storage, and even the delivery of pharmaceuticals and foods. Recent research demonstrates that microplastics, generated as plastic degradation, are now ubiquitous in the environment and detectable in human tissues. Exposure occurs via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, with bottled water, packaged foods, and household dust serving as primary vectors (2).
A growing body of evidence links microplastic and petrochemical exposure to chronic, noncommunicable diseases. Epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated persistent correlations between exposure to petrochemicals and increased mortality rates from respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, as well as increased incidence of cancers and exacerbation of pre-existing diseases such as asthma and COPD. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable due to developing or compromised immune systems.
Endocrine Disruption and Systemic Effects
Many petrochemicals function as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfering with hormonal regulation and increasing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders. EDCs such as phthalates and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are prevalent in plastics, food packaging, and consumer products. Their effects may be potentiated at very low exposure levels, particularly in susceptible populations, and are exacerbated by the cumulative burden of multiple chemical exposures (2, 3).
Clinical Implications and Patient Counseling
Given the ubiquity of petrochemical exposures, complete avoidance is unrealistic. However, clinicians can play a pivotal role in risk reduction and advocacy:
- Patient Education: Counsel patients to minimize consumption of ultra-processed foods, read ingredient labels, and start preferring fresh, unprocessed foods. Encourage the use of glass or stainless steel containers over plastics, especially for hot foods and beverages.
- Nutritional Guidance: Advise patients to obtain nutrients from whole foods rather than synthetic supplements, as natural sources are generally more bioavailable and less likely to contain petrochemical contaminants.
- Advocacy and Policy: Support regulatory efforts to phase out hazardous additives and promote comprehensive chemical safety testing. Engage in public health advocacy to reduce the production and improper disposal of plastics and other petrochemical products (2, 3).
Conclusion
The wide shadow cast by Standard Oil extends into the core of modern clinical practice. As petrochemical-derived compounds continue to permeate the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer product landscapes, clinicians must remain vigilant regarding their potential contributions to chronic disease. By integrating environmental health considerations into patient care and advocating for systemic change, the medical community can help mitigate the long-term health consequences of petrochemical proliferation (1, 2, 3).
References
- Inside Climate News. “Petrochemicals Are Killing Us, a New Report Warns in the New England Journal of Medicine.” March 18, 2024. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18032024/fossil-fuels-toxic-chemicals-deadly-diseases/
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). “Disease Rates Rise With Growing Petrochemical Production.” February 26, 2025. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/centers/core/spotlight/petrochemical
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment. “Petrochemical proliferation contributing to rise in health problems.” March 6, 2024. https://prhe.ucsf.edu/press-release/petrochemical-proliferation-contributing-rise-health-problems