Health Effects of Living Near Petroleum and Biofuel Refineries: A Systematic Evidence Map and Scoping Review

Petroleum refineries are significant sources of toxic contaminant emissions globally that threaten the health of refinery workers and nearby populations. We conducted a scoping review of the epidemiological evidence concerning acute and chronic health impacts of petroleum and biofuel refineries on surrounding communities. We evaluated the evidence using risk-of-bias assessments and catalogued findings into an evidence map to identify gaps in the literature. We systematically searched studies published by August 2024 on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Our review includes 54 studies published between 1977 and 2024 in 15 international regions. Most studies focused on cancer, respiratory effects, biomarkers of effect, acute symptoms, and cardiovascular effects; fewer studies examined other chronic diseases, reproductive or birth outcomes. Multiple studies find evidence that residential proximity to refineries is associated with higher risks of leukemia, asthma, bronchitis, respiratory symptoms, and healthcare utilization. 13 studies found evidence of dose-response relationships between proximity or duration of residence near a refinery and severity of risk. Common study limitations included imprecise exposure measures, limited control for confounding, and cross-sectional designs. Recent developments have improved causal inferences, including air pollutant dispersion modeling, quasi-experimental designs, and individual-level exposure measures. The literature suggests a range of acute and chronic health effects among adults and children living near refineries. Additional longitudinal studies and studies of biorefineries are needed, especially as the energy transition from petroleum to bio-based transportation fuels accelerates. Our review underscores the need for additional measures to protect the health of refinery communities.