What contaminants are in fossil fuels?

Answer 1

Contaminants in crude oils include other organic compounds such as cycloalkanes (like ordinary alkane gasoline but in ring molecular structure) and aromatic hydrocarbons (like benzene - some cause cancer). Other contaminants are oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Most contaminants are distilled out of fossil fuels, but some, for example sulfur and benzene, remain.

Then you have to consider fuel additives such as MTBE, ETBE, and ethanol. Except for aviation, lead is not longer used as an additive.

Bottom line - don't drink the gas.

Answer 2

Fossil fuels can contain a variety of contaminants, including sulfur compounds, heavy metals (such as Mercury and lead), and nitrogen compounds. When these contaminants are burned, they can produce air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and health problems.