Petroleum consists mainly of hydrocarbons and metals, in varying concentrations. It is highly flammable and throughout history has been used as a fuel and energy source. Oil spills are disasters that alter different ecological levels and affect different sectors, mainly the environment, health, the economy and tourism. Several studies have shown both short and long-term effects on human health, especially at the reproductive, cardio-respiratory, hepatic, hepatic, renal, metabolic and mental levels. Exposure occurs by ingestion, absorption through intact skin and inhalation. In Peru, on 15 January 2022, an oil spill in Ventanilla, Callao, of about 12,000 barrels of oil generated harmful effects on marine and ornithological species and on the quality of life of artisanal fishermen. Its impact is still under evaluation due to the slow response of those responsible for slowing down the advan...

El reciente derrame de petróleo ocurrido el 15 de enero del 2022 en Ventanilla, Callao, durante un procedimiento de carga y descarga de combustible en el terminal de la Refinería La Pampilla, donde se estima que cerca de 12 000 barriles de petróleo fueron vertidos en el mar (Figura1), nos debe hacer reflexionar sobre el impacto que tienen estos desastres no solo en el aspecto ecológico y económico sino también en la salud humana.